Fire!

Fire! was a noteworthy solid-state pinball machine released by Williams Electronics in 1987, capturing the intense and dramatic world of firefighting. The machine was designed by Steve Ritchie, one of pinball's most celebrated designers, with artwork by Mark Sprenger that depicted heroic firefighters in action.

The game's design brilliantly incorporated firefighting themes into its gameplay mechanics. Notable features included a burning building playfield toy, multiple ramps representing fire ladders, and innovative drop targets that simulated putting out fires. The game's sound package included authentic fire alarm sounds and urgent voice calls, creating an immersive emergency response atmosphere that was cutting-edge for its era.

Fire! stood out during a pivotal period in pinball history when solid-state technology was allowing for more complex rule sets and interactive features. The machine's success helped establish a template for future theme-based pinball designs, demonstrating how real-world scenarios could be effectively translated into compelling pinball experiences. Approximately 4,400 units were manufactured, making it a moderately successful release for Williams.

The game remains respected among collectors and enthusiasts for its balanced gameplay, clean layout, and thematic coherence. Its enduring appeal lies in how it combined straightforward shot-making with strategic scoring opportunities, all while maintaining the excitement of its firefighting theme. Fire! represents a classic example of late 1980s pinball design when manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of what solid-state technology could achieve in terms of player engagement and thematic implementation.