This is a book about F.I.R.E. "Firefighter's Institute for Racial Equality" F.I.R.E. is a book about the history of black firefighters on the St. Louis fire department. The story starts from 1921 when blacks were first allowed on the department to the year 2010. This book covers the black firemen's struggles with racism and discrimination on the department and their eventual victory over their opponents. This book also tells the story of F.I.R.E.'s important court victories that changed the racial makeup of fire departments in St. Louis and the country. This story also explains F.I.R.E.'s entry into politics and the impact the black firemen had on the St. Louis community.