Screenplay data
Twenty years after witnessing his firefighter father's death, Brian McCaffrey returns to the Chicago Fire Department, joining his estranged older brother Stephen's Station 17. Brian struggles to prove himself to Stephen and the crew, eventually transferring to the Arson Investigation Unit under the cynical but methodical Rimgale. As Brian and Rimgale investigate a series of mysterious backdraft fires, they uncover a conspiracy involving Alderman Swayzak, who is using the fires for political gain. Brian discovers that veteran firefighter Adcox is the arsonist, targeting Swayzak's associates, and that Stephen has been protecting Adcox, leading to a final confrontation at a burning warehouse where Stephen sacrifices himself to save Brian.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Brian McCaffrey’s journey from eager rookie to disillusioned arson investigator unfolds against the backdrop of brotherly rivalry and tragic loss.
Open full beat sheetBrian McCaffrey is listed as Firefighter. Younger brother of Stephen, driven by his father's legacy. In the parsed data, Brian McCaffrey is connected to 85 scenes, 117 dialogue lines, 120 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
85 scenes / 117 dialogue linesStephen McCaffrey is listed as Fire Lieutenant. Older brother of Brian, experienced and intense firefighter. In the parsed data, Stephen McCaffrey is connected to 47 scenes, 104 dialogue lines, 105 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
47 scenes / 104 dialogue linesRimgale is listed as Fire Investigator. Methodical and cynical fire investigator. In the parsed data, Rimgale is connected to 24 scenes, 61 dialogue lines, 66 text mentions, first appearing around scene 24.
24 scenes / 61 dialogue linesAdcox is listed as Firefighter. Veteran fireman, close colleague of the McCaffreys. In the parsed data, Adcox is connected to 24 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 28 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
24 scenes / 21 dialogue linesTim is listed as Candidate / Firefighter. Young candidate, friend of Brian. In the parsed data, Tim is connected to 23 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 17 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.
23 scenes / 6 dialogue linesGrindle is listed as Firefighter. Firefighter at Station 17. In the parsed data, Grindle is connected to 21 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 25.
21 scenes / 9 dialogue linesJennifer is listed as City Hall Employee. Brian's love interest, works for Alderman Swayzak. In the parsed data, Jennifer is connected to 19 scenes, 54 dialogue lines, 57 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.
19 scenes / 54 dialogue linesAlderman Swayzak is listed as Politician. Ambitious city official. In the parsed data, Alderman Swayzak is connected to 11 scenes, 18 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.
11 scenes / 18 dialogue linesHelen is listed as Stephen's Ex-wife. Mother of Sean. In the parsed data, Helen is connected to 8 scenes, 27 dialogue lines, 30 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.
8 scenes / 27 dialogue linesSchmidt is listed as Pumper Driver. Firefighter at Station 17. In the parsed data, Schmidt is connected to 8 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 30.
8 scenes / 6 dialogue linesSantos is listed as Ladderman. Firefighter. In the parsed data, Santos is connected to 8 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 30.
8 scenes / 4 dialogue linesPengelly is listed as Truck Company Lieutenant. Fire officer. In the parsed data, Pengelly is connected to 7 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 30.
7 scenes / 3 dialogue linesDennis McCaffrey is listed as Firefighter. Father of Brian and Stephen, deceased hero. In the parsed data, Dennis McCaffrey is connected to 5 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
5 scenes / 2 dialogue linesSean is listed as Child. Son of Stephen and Helen. In the parsed data, Sean is connected to 3 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 82.
3 scenes / 2 dialogue linesRonald Bowland is listed as Arsonist. Imprisoned arsonist. In the parsed data, Ronald Bowland is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 47.
2 scenes / 2 dialogue linesChief Fitzgerald is listed as Fire Academy Chief. Authority figure at the fire academy. In the parsed data, Chief Fitzgerald is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 8.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesWilly is listed as Barkeep. Owner of the firemen's dive bar. In the parsed data, Willy is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 10.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesYoung Brian and Stephen play in a storage room, trying on fire gear before their father Dennis finds them.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Dennis McCaffreyDennis prepares to go to a fire and decides to take Brian instead of Stephen.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Dennis McCaffrey, AdcoxThe fire engine departs the station.
Brian McCaffrey, Dennis McCaffreyThe fire engine travels through the city.
Brian McCaffrey, Dennis McCaffrey, AdcoxDennis fights a fire while Brian watches; Dennis dies in an explosion.
Brian McCaffrey, Dennis McCaffrey, AdcoxBrian, now 27, drives to Chicago.
Brian McCaffreyBrian visits his parents' graves.
Brian McCaffreyBrian convinces Chief Fitzgerald to let him back into the academy.
Brian McCaffrey, Chief FitzgeraldBrian graduates from the academy.
Brian McCaffrey, Chief Fitzgerald, TimBrian and Tim celebrate their graduation; Brian learns he is assigned to Station 17.
Brian McCaffrey, Tim, WillyBrian and Tim arrive at a fire scene; Brian reunites with Stephen.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Tim, Jennifer, RimgaleBrian visits Helen and his nephew Sean.
Brian McCaffrey, Helen, SeanBrian arrives at Stephen's boat.
Brian McCaffreyBrian visits Stephen on his boat to reconcile and discuss his station assignment.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffreyBrian installs speakers on the boat and confronts Stephen about his station assignment.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffreyBrian leaves the boat after a tense conversation with Stephen.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffreyBrian prepares for his first day at the station.
Brian McCaffreyBrian arrives late to the station and chases the fire engine.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, TimThe crew heads to a fire call.
Brian McCaffrey, Adcox, Schmidt, GrindleThe crew arrives at a factory fire.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, Schmidt, GrindleThe crew fights the fire inside the factory.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, Grindle, Pengelly, SantosBrian discovers a mannequin instead of a victim.
Brian McCaffrey, Tim, GrindleBrian and Stephen argue after the fire.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Jennifer, Alderman SwayzakRimgale confronts Swayzak about the fire investigation.
Jennifer, Rimgale, Alderman SwayzakBrian returns to the station, meets the station dog, and faces hazing from the crew.
Brian McCaffrey, Adcox, Stephen McCaffrey, Tim, GrindleBrian finds a prank in his locker.
Brian McCaffreyBrian and Tim shower; Tim expresses his admiration for Stephen.
Brian McCaffrey, TimStephen tends to his injuries; Brian watches him.
Stephen McCaffrey, Brian McCaffreyThe crew rushes to the kitchen.
Brian McCaffrey, Tim, GrindleThe crew has dinner and toasts the new probies.
Brian McCaffrey, Tim, Stephen McCaffrey, Santos, Adcox, GrindleStephen wakes Brian up for chores.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffreyStephen dismisses the company.
Stephen McCaffrey, Brian McCaffreyStephen drops Brian off.
Stephen McCaffrey, Brian McCaffreyBrian and Stephen attend the retirement party; Brian argues with Jennifer.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Jennifer, Alderman Swayzak, Adcox, GrindleBrian helps a drunken Stephen.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffreyBrian puts Stephen to bed on his boat.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffreyBrian practices hose drills alone.
Brian McCaffreyAdcox sees Brian leaving the academy.
Brian McCaffrey, AdcoxThe crew cleans up a chicken spill.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, TimThe crew helps a fallen firefighter's widow.
Brian McCaffrey, Tim, Stephen McCaffrey, Grindle, AdcoxThe crew watches TV.
Schmidt, SantosThe fire company watches a soap opera while Schmidt, Santos, and Washington interact. Brian watches Stephen from afar.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Tim, Schmidt, SantosStephen drills Brian and Tim, leading to a competitive race up the training tower.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, TimStephen and Brian respond to a fire; Stephen rescues a child.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, GrindleBrian calls Jennifer to accept a new assignment.
Brian McCaffrey, Jennifer, Alderman SwayzakBrian meets Rimgale and is assigned as his assistant.
Brian McCaffrey, RimgaleRimgale and Brian visit Ronald Bowland, an arsonist.
Brian McCaffrey, Rimgale, Ronald BowlandBrian and Rimgale investigate a fire at a theatre.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Rimgale, Tim, Schmidt, GrindleBrian is humiliated by Grindle and Schmidt when a ceiling collapses on him; Stephen intervenes, and Adcox confronts Brian about his career choices.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, Tim, Schmidt, GrindleHelen hears a noise on the roof.
HelenStephen is fixing the roof; he and Helen discuss their past and Brian.
Stephen McCaffrey, HelenBrian and Rimgale examine charred bodies to find clues about arson.
Brian McCaffrey, RimgaleRimgale explains the science of the arson to Brian.
Brian McCaffrey, RimgaleBrian talks to Jennifer on the phone and then helps Rimgale with an experiment.
Brian McCaffrey, Jennifer, RimgaleBrian attends a fundraiser on a boat and talks with Jennifer.
Brian McCaffrey, Jennifer, Alderman SwayzakBrian and Jennifer go to the station and become intimate.
Brian McCaffrey, JenniferEngine 17 arrives at a high-rise fire.
Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, Tim, Grindle, PengellyStephen and his crew prepare to enter the building.
Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, Tim, Grindle, PengellyThe crew rides the elevator up.
Stephen McCaffrey, TimThe crew searches for the fire.
Stephen McCaffrey, Adcox, Tim, Grindle, PengellyThe alarm sounds at the station.
Brian McCaffrey, JenniferBrian and Jennifer are accidentally taken along on a fire call.
Brian McCaffrey, JenniferBrian and Jennifer arrive at the fire scene.
Brian McCaffrey, JenniferFiremen discover Brian and Jennifer in the hose bed of a fire truck.
Brian McCaffrey, JenniferStephen and Tim search for a fire, leading to a tragic backdraft incident.
Stephen McCaffrey, Tim, Adcox, GrindleBrian sees Tim being rushed to an ambulance; Stephen is overcome with rage.
Brian McCaffrey, Jennifer, Tim, Adcox, Grindle, Stephen McCaffreyRimgale finds Stephen in the fire-damaged room.
Rimgale, Stephen McCaffreyBrian checks on Tim's status with Adcox.
Brian McCaffrey, AdcoxBrian visits Tim in the ICU and confronts Stephen.
Brian McCaffrey, Grindle, Santos, Adcox, Stephen McCaffreyRimgale fires Brian.
Brian McCaffrey, RimgaleBrian confronts Jennifer about leaking information to Swayzak.
Brian McCaffrey, Jennifer, Alderman SwayzakBrian visits Tim; Stephen is present.
Brian McCaffrey, Stephen McCaffrey, TimSwayzak meets Rimgale.
Alderman Swayzak, RimgaleSwayzak pressures Rimgale to find the arsonist.
Alderman Swayzak, RimgaleBrian asks Rimgale for another chance.
Rimgale, Brian McCaffreyRimgale and Brian investigate the fire scene.
Rimgale, Brian McCaffreyRimgale confronts Stephen about the fire report.
Grindle, Rimgale, Stephen McCaffreyBrian and Rimgale connect the victims.
Brian McCaffrey, RimgaleBrian asks Jennifer for help with Swayzak's files.
Brian McCaffrey, JenniferStephen struggles with his emotions.
Stephen McCaffreyI... It used to be, when I was a kid, what meant most to me about this job was there were no ifs. Life and death, right and wrong. When someone called the fire department, we came... Those guys don't know how much I love them... You don't leave people hanging... cause that's what it's all about. It's loyalty. It's 'till death do us part. Isn't that what you heard?... It's you go, we go... Cause without that, it's the end of families, it's the end of the fire department... and when the fire department stops coming... that's the end of the fucking world... I'm sorry I came, Helen, it's just... it's just there's nobody I can talk to... I miss you.
I think it appropriate that we recognize the two asswipes -- I mean probationary firemen -- among us who today were baptized officially into the world of Old Man Fire. First to Tim, who despite being handicapped at birth with a rather dull expression and a really hideous pair of ears, not only took on the beast but pulled from its clutches -- assisted by a more famous and brilliant firefighter -- me -- a kicking and screaming civilian that will probably end up suing us for breaking her fingernail. And to Brian, who's own contribution was both more beautiful and less likely to sue.
"Probationary Fireman Brian McCaffrey, on his very first fire, showed the kind of bravery and courage of a veteran firefighter when he risked life and limb to double-check a burning floor alone, emerging victoriously with Anna Rodriguez, a seamstress for the North Shore Clothing Company... McCaffrey first gained prominence as the subject of a 1972 Pulitzer Prize winning photograph taken at the scene of his father's death..."
This one's still with the fire department. One of our best investigators, Don Rimgale, is working on a very difficult, visible case right now. We think he could use another pair of hands and you're exactly the kind of guy I want representing us: An authentic hero from a traditional firefighting clan.
This'll only take a minute. There's two cops outside that want to ask you about this -- This is just a guess of course, but I think they're gonna want to know why you secretly paid Donald Cosgrove, Jeffrey Holcomb and Alan Seagrave to create a phony manpower study. You guys'll wait, right?
...Adcox, those guys...they don't get it... it isn't the goddamn promotion... or dad... I'm not my old man, y'know? No fire's gonna get me... I don't give a shit about being a captain... it's just... it's just they don't trust me anymore... ...they don't trust me anymore...
I got it after we talked to Ronald. Torches. Want to fry the whole goddamn world. But the fires that killed those guys never really burned up much. -- The burns were all lit in outlets surrounded by double firebreaks in the walls. And he made his burns backdrafts.
Hey, sorry if I made you look bad in front of your boss. But I'm not gonna be a poster boy for him, I'm trying to do something here. There's five hundred smoke eaters in this room that do that stuff for real every day. Tell Swayzak to talk to one of them.
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