In a world where spontaneous human combustion turns people into fiery creatures known as Infernals, the Tokyo Empire is protected by specialized firefighting teams called the Fire Force. These teams combat Infernals and investigate the phenomenon of spontaneous combustion, which threatens humanity. The story centers on Shinra Kusakabe, a third-generation pyrokinetic known as a Devil’s Footprint for his ability to ignite flames from his feet. Shinra joins Special Fire Force Company 8, a unit dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the Infernal outbreaks and the mysterious organization responsible for them, the Evangelist.
Shinra’s personal motivation stems from a tragic childhood incident where his family home burned down, killing his mother and younger brother Sho, though Sho’s body was never found. Shinra is determined to become a hero and uncover the truth behind the fire that changed his life. As Company 8 investigates, they uncover a deeper conspiracy involving the Evangelist, a cult-like group orchestrating the Infernal outbreaks to achieve their apocalyptic vision of a “Great Cataclysm.” The Evangelist’s followers, known as the White-Clad, possess advanced pyrokinetic abilities and manipulate events to further their goals.
Key characters include Captain Akitaru Obi, the non-pyrokinetic leader of Company 8 who provides strategic guidance; Arthur Boyle, Shinra’s rival and a knight-obsessed second-generation pyrokinetic; Maki Oze, a second-generation pyrokinetic with exceptional combat skills; and Iris, a nun who offers spiritual support to the team. The group also encounters allies and adversaries from other Fire Force companies, such as Company 7’s Captain Benimaru Shinmon, a powerful pyrokinetic with a dual role as a firefighter and protector of the Asakusa district.
As the story progresses, Shinra discovers that his brother Sho is alive but has been brainwashed by the White-Clad and serves as their enforcer under the name Haumea. Sho’s abilities, combined with his connection to the Evangelist, make him a formidable opponent. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle between hope and despair, as Company 8 works to prevent the Evangelist’s plans while grappling with their own personal demons.
The series blends action, mystery, and supernatural elements, with a focus on the Fire Force’s battles against Infernals and the White-Clad. The world-building incorporates a unique fusion of futuristic technology and religious symbolism, creating a distinct setting where firefighting takes on a heroic and mystical dimension. The plot advances through a mix of episodic missions and overarching storylines, gradually revealing the true nature of the Evangelist’s goals and the origins of pyrokinetic abilities.