Stephen McCaffrey and his younger brother Brian are two feuding siblings carrying on an heroic family tradition in the Chicago fire department. Stephen is so relentless that he drives Brian out of firefighting and into arson investigation. Assisting arson investigator Donald Rimgale, Brian becomes involved in a puzzling series of arson attacks, each ignited by explosive phenomena known as backdrafts. Before the smoke clears, love affairs are rekindled...

When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

Probationary firefighter Jack Morrison matures into a seasoned veteran of the Baltimore Fire Department under the watchful eye of his mentor Chief Mike Kennedy. Responding to the worst blaze in his career, he becomes trapped inside a 20-story building. As Jack reflects on his life - seeing his first fire, bonding with fellow firefighters, the impact his job has had on his wife and kids - Chief Kennedy frantically coordinates the effort to save Jack's...

Curtis "Pops" Payne is crankier and funnier than ever. As Fire Chief of Atlanta's Engine Company Five, Curtis keeps his crew cracking up with his priceless observations. His grown son Calvin drops by the house at will when he wants money, a home-cooked meal, or his laundry done. C.J., his nephew, and C.J.'s kids, Malik and Jazmine, have permanently moved in-- there goes the peaceful life Curtis was looking forward to sharing with his beloved wife...

Sometimes it seems as if the world is crashing in on itself. It's the job of the first responders to hold it together. Police, firefighters, paramedics: the men and women of the 3-11 PM shift called third watch are ready to serve in situations ranging from small (attending to a frequent 911 dialer) to playful (a football match between fire departments) to harrowingly large and complex (tracking an elusive sniper who targets cops). Combines the rigors...