Steely Byrne and Jack Haggerty grew up as best friends with dreams of becoming firefighters in the slums of Manhattan's East Side. As they grew up and their dreams come true, they discover they are living very different careers as firefighters.

Though Steely and Jack both find themselves in the dangers of burning buildings and threatening fights, they realize they aren't in the firefighting business for the same reason. Rising rapidly in the ranks, charming and ruthless Jack will stop at nothing to become New York City's next Fire Commissioner, no matter the price.