The township board in each charter township shall have power to provide for and establish and maintain a fire department and authorize the supervisor, or the township superintendent if one has been appointed, to appoint, subject to the approval of the said board, a township fire chief and such other firemen as may be required to protect persons and property from the hazards of fire in that part of the township located outside the corporate limits of villages. The township board shall make and establish rules and regulations for the government of the department, the employes, firemen, and officers thereof; and for the care and management of the buildings, engines, apparatus, and equipment pertaining thereto. The township fire chief, or any officer acting as such, may command and require any person present at a fire to aid in the extinguishment thereof, and to assist in the protection of property thereat. If any person shall wilfully disobey any such requirement or other lawful order of any such officer, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.