Search & Rescue Firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) is trapped in a burning building which gives him a chance to replay the events of his life through a series of flashbacks, starting with his first days on the job as a probationary under the guidance of Captain Mike Kennedy (John Travolta).

Jack manages to gain consciousness and communicates his position to the leader - now Assistant Chief Kennedy. He is told to break through a brick wall to gain access to a central control room to buy some time, while other firefighters from his watch try to break through metal and debris to reach him from the other side.

Unfortunately Jack looks over the banks of computers to see a wall of fire. The building is unstable and starting to break apart. Jack tells the Chief to get his men out. He reluctantly agrees and the call is made to evacuate.

The red car with Kennedy and the Catholic Priest shows up at Linda's house.

At Jack's funeral Kennedy has inspirational words to say about Jack, the bravest of the brave, and they load his coffin onto the back of an engine, as it is respectfully paraded through the streets of Baltimore.