Tensions arise when a previously all-white firehouse gets its first black fireman.

The first African-American assigned to an all-white firehouse, rookie firefighter Shelly Forsythe must battle both blazes and racism as the fire department hunts for a serial arsonist in 1973 New York. The house's senior firefighter is hostile to Forsythe at first but eventually comes to respect him and is forced to make a dangerous choice between his orders and his duty to a fellow firefighter.—alfiehitchie