Fire with Fire

Fire with Fire

Year: 2012

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: David Barrett

ThrillerCrimeDramaActionCrime

When a fireman is ordered to testify against a man involved in a convenience store robbery, he finds himself in a dangerous situation. The man threatens him, leading the fireman to take matters into his own hands. Seeking revenge, he embarks on a perilous course of action, where the rules of justice become blurred and the consequences are severe.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Fire with Fire yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Fire with Fire (2012)

Trace every key event in Fire with Fire (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

End of the long day; plan to unwind

After a grueling shift in Long Beach, Coleman and his fellow firefighters contemplate unwinding with a bottle of 15-year-old Scotch. Coleman goes to a nearby convenience store to grab snacks, but is pulled into trouble when David Hagan, an Aryan Brotherhood boss, arrives to make demands. The store owner refuses, citing protection by the Eastside Crips, and a violent confrontation erupts.

Evening Long Beach, convenience store
2

Hagan's attack at the convenience store

Hagan shoots the store owner's son and then kills the owner in front of Coleman. Coleman narrowly escapes the bloodbath and flees into the streets. The brutal killings mark the start of Hagan's personal vendetta against anyone connected to the case.

Night Long Beach, convenience store
3

Detective Cella spots an opportunity; Hagan detained

Detective Mike Cella, haunted by the murder of his former partner at Hagan's hands, sees a chance to finally bring Hagan to justice. He begins assembling the case that could tie Hagan to the witness-tampering and intimidation. Hagan is detained and placed in a police lineup, where he recites Coleman's full name, address, and Social Security number.

Soon after the incident Police precinct; lineup room
4

Coleman enters Witness Protection; moves to New Orleans

Before the trial, Coleman agrees to join the Witness Protection Program and changes his surname to Douglas. He leaves the fire department and is relocated to New Orleans, starting over far from his old life. The move compounds his sense of loss but opens the door to a new relationship.

Before the trial New Orleans
5

Durham and Coleman begin a fragile romance

In his new life, Coleman finds solace in a budding romance with Talia Durham, a Deputy U.S. Marshal assigned to his case. They navigate trust, danger, and the shadow of Hagan as their relationship deepens. The relationship becomes a personal anchor amid looming threats.

Early in relocation New Orleans
6

Ambush; Durham wounded; Coleman fights back

Two of Hagan's hitmen ambush Coleman and Durham, testing their resolve. Durham is wounded, but Coleman manages to mortally wound one attacker, forcing the assailants to retreat. The attack confirms that Hagan will pursue them aggressively.

Night Near New Orleans; ambush site
7

Hagan threatens loved ones; Coleman abandons protection

Hagan calls Coleman and vows to kill everyone he loves whether he testifies or not. In response, Coleman vows to kill Hagan first and makes the drastic choice to abandon the witness protection program. The line between justice and vengeance becomes blurred.

Immediate aftermath of threat
8

Gethers edges Hagan towards early release

Hagan's attorney, Harold Gethers, arranges for him to be released from prison in the weeks leading up to the trial. The legal maneuver jeopardizes the case and increases the risk Coleman faces when pursuing his own vendetta. The stage is set for a confrontation with few safeguards left.

Weeks before trial Prison
9

Coleman returns to Long Beach to plan his strike

Coleman returns to his hometown to pursue his own form of justice, seeking an untraceable weapon from the Eastside Crips. He prepares to draw Hagan out and force a reckoning on his terms. The city itself becomes a backdrop for his redirection toward vengeance.

Return to home city Long Beach
10

Stalking and killing Hagan's men

Coleman stakes out one of Hagan's hideouts and kills three of his men. He leaves behind a partial fingerprint, but authorities cannot identify him because his witness protection status keeps him off the database. The killings escalate the stakes of the confrontation.

Night Hagan's hideout; Long Beach
11

Gethers reveals the target location

Coleman tortures one of Hagan's henchmen, who directs him to Harold Gethers. Gethers, who serves Hagan out of fear, reveals the location of an abandoned building where Hagan is expected that night.

Night Abandoned building vicinity; Long Beach
12

Durham is captured; Coleman enters the burning building to rescue

Durham arrives in Long Beach to warn Coleman but is captured after being locked in a bathroom by Coleman and then kidnapped by Hagan's hitman. That night, Coleman uses his firefighting knowledge to set the meeting place on fire, confront the group, and rescue Durham from her bonds.

Night Burning building; Long Beach
13

Final confrontation in the blaze

Inside the burning building, Coleman confronts Hagan. Durham arrives and kills Hagan, and she and Coleman escape together as the blaze rages around them.

Night Burning building, Long Beach
14

Aftermath; no charges; quiet departure

In the aftermath, Detective Cella discusses with the district attorney that no physical evidence remains at the burnt building to indict anyone for Hagan’s and his men’s deaths. Cella is shown putting away a photo of him and his old partner, signaling a restrained closure to the pursuit of justice.

Aftermath DA's office; Long Beach

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:04

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Vigilante Justice Movies like Fire with Fire

Everyday people pushed to the brink, taking the law into their own hands.If you liked watching the fireman become a vigilante in Fire with Fire, you'll enjoy these movies about ordinary people pushed to the edge. This collection features similar high-stakes thrillers and crime dramas where protagonists take matters into their own hands against ruthless criminals.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a linear, high-stakes path: an inciting act of violence targets the protagonist or someone they love, the legal system proves ineffective or dangerous, leading the hero to go off-grid and employ increasingly extreme measures in a personal war against a powerful antagonist.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared archetype of the reluctant vigilante and the compelling, morally gray journey they undertake. They consistently deliver a tense, anxious mood, fast-paced action, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from the protagonist's traumatic transformation.

Fugitive Thrillers similar to Fire with Fire

Breathless chases where the hunted becomes the hunter.Fans of the relentless pursuit and dangerous hide-and-seek in Fire with Fire will find more gripping stories here. Discover similar movies about witnesses or targets on the run, featuring tense cat-and-mouse dynamics, corrupt systems, and protagonists fighting for survival against overwhelming odds.

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Narrative Summary

These stories focus on the fugitive experience: the paranoia of being hunted, the logistical challenges of disappearing, and the constant threat of discovery. The plot is driven by a series of close calls, ambushes, and narrow escapes, building towards a final, violent confrontation where the hunter and the hunted roles are ultimately reversed.

Why These Movies?

They are united by the core experience of being a fugitive—the sustained tension, the anxiety of being stalked, and the fast-paced, life-or-death struggle for survival. The shared vibe is one of claustrophobic danger and unrelenting pressure, where every decision could be the last.

Unlock the Full Story of Fire with Fire

Don't stop at just watching — explore Fire with Fire in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Fire with Fire is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Fire with Fire Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Fire with Fire, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Fire with Fire Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fire with Fire

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Fire with Fire. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fire with Fire

Fire with Fire Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Fire with Fire that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Fire with Fire Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Fire with Fire

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Fire with Fire: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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