New recruit Ben Warren has to get used to the fact that emergencies at the fire department are different than in the hospital; events at an apartment fire leave the future of the station's leadership in jeopardy.
Jack begins his first shift as co-captain and continues to butt heads with Andy; Pruitt has a difficult time following doctor's orders and winds up back at the station; the rest of the team responds to an attic fire.
Andy and Jack find themselves in disagreement over spending decisions at the station; the firefighters respond to a structure fire at a brand-new bed-and- breakfast; Ryan calls Maya when he finds her brother in some trouble.
Miranda Bailey visits Ben at work, meeting his new co-workers for the first time; most of the team responds to a motor vehicle accident involving an electrical danger; Andy and Maya are paired up to go on their first stakeout.
Andy, Jack and 18 other candidates take the captaincy drill test; Travis serves as acting captain while Andy and Jack are away for the day; Ben confronts Vic about her fears.
Ryan and Jack get competitive during disaster drill training. Captain Pruitt's health weakens, and Andy is sticking by his side. The crew and the police department respond to a strip mall fire, forcing Jack and Ryan to work together.
Ripley interviews each member of the crew to determine whether Andy or Jack should be given the role of captain, a mum's day out on a party bus takes a turn for the worse, and Captain Pruitt continues his treatment.
In the days before the captain position is announced, Pruitt warns Andy not to be disappointed with the outcome; the team gets trapped in the garage of a burning house.
Ben reaches a new milestone and receives something from the crew; Chief Ripley holds final interviews for the role of captain but is interrupted when the team is called to a massive skyscraper fire.
