In an exotic and magical land, Shuibai, a lowly bucket-maker, is appointed Fire Warden. He surprises—and annoys—everyone by taking his job seriously. But as he attempts to enforce the fire laws intended to keep his city safe, he finds his own life in peril as he stumbles across dangerous secrets.

Mysterious foes are smuggling illegal guns into his city, and they will stop at nothing, not even arson, kidnapping, and murder, as they wage their secret war. He is helped by the man he loves, the handsome but crippled ex-firefighter, Zashi, a man tormented by demons of his own.

Is the Fire Dragon real, or is the truth far more sinister?