The film follows Jack Taggart (played by Steven Seagal), a deep-cover Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agent tasked with investigating illegal toxic waste disposal in the Appalachian region. Taggart is sent to investigate a small town in Kentucky where there have been reports of illegal dumping and environmental degradation.
As Taggart infiltrates the community, he discovers that an influential coal mining company, run by the ruthless Orin Hanner Sr. (played by Kris Kristofferson), is responsible for the illegal dumping and environmental destruction. Hanner’s company is not only polluting the land and water but also exploiting the local residents and keeping them under his control through intimidation and violence.
Taggart befriends some of the locals, including a young woman named Sarah Kellogg (played by Marg Helgenberger), who is concerned about the environmental impact of the mining operations on her family’s land. With Sarah’s help, Taggart begins to gather evidence against Hanner and his company, working to expose their illegal activities and bring them to justice.
As Taggart gets closer to uncovering the truth, he becomes a target of Hanner’s henchmen, who will stop at nothing to protect their boss’s interests. Taggart finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, fighting off attacks and attempting to stay one step ahead of his enemies.
In the film’s climax, Taggart confronts Hanner and his men at their headquarters, engaging in a violent showdown that culminates in a fiery confrontation. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Taggart emerges victorious, defeating Hanner and his cohorts and shutting down their illegal operations for good.
With the help of Sarah and the local community, Taggart succeeds in bringing Hanner to justice and cleaning up the town’s environment. The film ends with Taggart bidding farewell to Sarah and the other residents, knowing that he has made a difference in their lives and protected the land for future generations.
“Fire Down Below” is praised for its action-packed sequences, environmental themes, and Steven Seagal’s performance as the tough and determined hero. It offers a thrilling and entertaining ride while also highlighting important issues related to environmental conservation and corporate greed.