(a) While in the process of responding to an alarm of fire or rescue or extinguishing a fire and returning to the station, the fire chief or other officer in charge of the response at that time shall have the authority to maintain order at the fire or its vicinity, direct the actions of the firefighters at the fire or rescue scene, keep bystanders or other persons at a safe distance from the fire and fire equipment, facilitate the speedy movement and operation of firefighting equipment and firefighters and, until the arrival of a police officer, direct and control traffic, in person or by deputy, and facilitate the movement of traffic. The fire chief or other officer in charge shall display a firefighter's badge.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the authority granted by this section shall extend to the activation of traffic-control signals designed to facilitate the safe egress and ingress of fire and rescue equipment during an emergency response or at a fire station.