Sam Carlsen, his dad, two friends and a helicopter pilot, crash on to a remote South Pacific volcanic island on the infamous 'ring of fire', while trying to photograph its latest warning towers of smoke. Thinking their pilot is dead, they leave himbehind and scramble down the sides of the volcano as rumblings increase and minor eruptions occur. When the volcano finally blows, it's a mad scramble to the shoreline and potential safety. Molten lava and hot ash fireballs seem intent on finishing them off but Sam inspires them and their race for survival succeeds.