 Scout, the canine star of the story, is separated as a puppy from his rural farm home during a fire. Accompanied on his adventures by Hector; a fast-talking chicken; he finds his way to the Bronx and is adopted by a fireman s son. Having grown into adulthood and trained as a FIREDOG, Scout must overcome his phobia of fire in order to save the young boy s father from a devastating, inner-city blaze.