Two sons of a Chicago firefighter clash in their personal and professional lives as they follow in their father's footsteps. After witnessing the death of their father in a fire, the two brothers struggle to maintain relationships and follow different paths. Stephen McCaffrey (Kurt Russel), the older brother, is a career fire fighter, reckless and stubborn, but a leader with an instinct for fighting fires. Brian (William Baldwin), the younger brother, comes back to the fire department after striking out with other careers. Stephen makes life very difficult for his younger brother, forcing him to evaluate whether he really has what it takes to become a fire fighter. Over a backdrop of a serial arsonist, several major fires, the ensuing arson investigation, and political intrigue that reaches all the way up the ladder of Chicago government, the two brothers learn to come to terms with eachother and themselves, and the sacrifice of being a fire fighter.