Ladder 49 (2004)

Ladder 49 (2004), an American disaster thriller directed by Jay Russell and written by Lewis Colick, tells the story of Baltimore City firefighter Jack Morrison. While responding to a four-alarm fire in a 20-story concrete grain elevator/warehouse in the Canton waterfront neighborhood, Jack saves a man’s life before tragedy strikes. The stored grain explodes, causing Jack to fall through multiple floors and break his leg. As Jack fights for survival, his comrades from Ladder Company 49, led by Deputy Chief Mike Kennedy, work tirelessly to rescue him. Throughout the intense rescue mission, flashbacks reveal how Jack first became a firefighter, met his wife at a supermarket, and built strong bonds with his fellow firefighters despite facing many challenges together.

Following his graduation from the fire academy, Jack is assigned to Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) Engine Company 33, which is located in the busiest firehouse in the city. Ladder Company 49 is also housed with Engine 33. During his time on Engine 33, Jack gains knowledge and experience in firefighting. He forms close relationships with his fellow firefighters, including Mike, who was his Captain at the initial stage. Jack’s first call is to a burning vacant rowhouse, where both Engine 33 and Ladder 49 are dispatched as the first responders. Together, Jack and Mike enter the building with a hose line and successfully put out the fire. However, tragedy strikes when Jack responds to another vacant rowhouse fire and witnesses the death of Dennis Gauquin, a member from Ladder 49 who falls through the roof of the building.