Fire Down Below (1997) is an action thriller directed by Felix Enrique Alcala, featuring Steven Seagal in the lead role as Jack Taggart, an environmental agent tasked with investigating illegal oil dumping in rural Kentucky. The film unfolds as Taggart uncovers a dangerous operation led by a corrupt businessman, Orin Hargrove, played by Kris Kristofferson, who is exploiting the local community for profit while endangering the environment. As Taggart delves deeper into the conspiracy, he faces numerous challenges and threats, ultimately taking matters into his own hands to protect the community and restore justice. The film blends action with themes of environmental responsibility, highlighting issues such as corporate greed and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Alcala’s direction incorporates classic action elements combined with a strong moral backdrop, allowing Seagal to showcase his martial arts prowess and tough-guy persona. The film features intense fight scenes and energetic chases, set against the picturesque yet troubled Appalachian landscape, which serves as both a character in its own right and a metaphor for the environmental issues being tackled. Seagal delivers a compelling performance, embodying the role of the strong, principled hero fighting against corruption. Supporting performances by Kristofferson and Marg Helgenberger, who plays a local woman caught in the conflict, add depth to the narrative. Overall, Fire Down Below stands out for its mix of action and social commentary, making it an engaging addition to Seagal’s filmography while addressing significant environmental concerns.

Jack Taggart (Steven Seagal) is an undercover EPA agent sent to rural Kentucky to investigate illegal toxic waste dumping. The waste, which is being buried in abandoned coal mines, is poisoning the land and causing severe health problems for the locals.

Taggart’s investigation leads him to a corrupt businessman, Orin Hanner Sr. (Kris Kristofferson), who runs a massive criminal operation. With the help of local residents, including Sarah Kellogg (Marg Helgenberger), a woman with a troubled past, Taggart uncovers the truth and takes on Hanner’s enforcers in a series of brutal fights, shootouts, and explosive confrontations.

Despite threats and violence, Taggart uses his combat skills and resourcefulness to take down the operation, exposing the corruption and bringing justice to the town.

Unlike Seagal’s usual urban-set action films, Fire Down Below takes place in Appalachia, giving it a unique Southern, small-town atmosphere. The film blends action, environmental activism, and elements of a Western, with Seagal playing the lone hero fighting against powerful, greedy forces.

Seagal still delivers his signature Aikido-based fight scenes, but the film also focuses on themes of community, environmental responsibility, and redemption. It attempts to humanize his character more than usual, showing his connection with the townspeople rather than just making him an unstoppable fighter.

The movie’s country music soundtrack, featuring artists like Johnny Cash and Marty Stuart, adds to the rural setting’s authenticity.