Vancouver Fire Captain Gerry Ormond is inadvertently thrust into the spotlight while rescuing a child which results in more complications than he ever imagined. Honored with a Governor General's Medal of Valor, Ormond accepts the award in Ottawa and while in Ontario returns to his hometown to visit his elderly father. His presence unleashes a series of events that bring old crimes and deeds back into the light of day. Old enemies, old friends and family dynamics spin Ormond into a maelstrom of memories and emotions, some better left buried. Add into the mix a vengeful arsonist and a fire investigator whose inquiries are coming far too close to the truth for Ormond's comfort and he finds his obsessive need for control is sliding through his fingers. Fire, death and mayhem span the decades, time and guilt coalesces into a vise closing irrevocably on the decorated fire captain.