Fire Country Season 4 Episode 9 Review: Who Owns the Dirt

Tyler and Chloe’s situation takes a darker tone on Fire Country Season 4 Episode 9, “Who Owns the Dirt.”

After figuring out that Landon has secretly been abusive towards Tyler, Chloe accepts Sharon’s help. It’s a wise choice for the two while Chloe works to distance herself from the relationship, and the ATF continues its investigation into the Zable Ridge Fire.

However, the situation escalates when Landon makes it clear he won’t be easily scared away.

“Who Owns the Dirt” is a captivating mid-season finale, firing on all cylinders and setting up a chaotic return for Fire Country in the new year.

Here to Stay

Throughout the episode, we see the lengths that Sharon and Bode will go to keep Chloe and Tyler safe. That includes moving them into Sharon’s home, keeping them close by, and noting their day-to-day movements.

It’s all in an effort to keep Landon away from them, while they wait for the ATF to look into him. But, just as in their investigation into Jeff Branick on Fire Country Season 4 Episode 6, “Your Voice in my Head,” the ATF must have solid evidence to take someone into custody.

Despite what Tyler tells Bode, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and unfortunately, that means Landon remains free until the ATF finds something concrete that pins him to the crime.

One alarming aspect of the situation is Tyler’s hesitance to involve the ATF. It could merely be a precaution out of fear of retaliation from Landon, which is totally understandable.

But, with Landon’s persistence to stay in town after questioning, it feels like Fire Country is setting up a curveball to come. If he were guilty, it feels safe to assume that he would try to skip town and avoid trying to engage with Chloe any further.

Could Tyler have helped Landon play a part in starting the Zable Ridge Fire? Or is he staying tight-lipped simply out of fear for what Landon could do to him and his mother?

Three Rock Gets Its Groove Back

With Manny taking charge of a fire on the Drake County line, Three Rock is called to action once again.

Not only does it help provide redemption for their first outing as a team, but it also gives Eve the possibility to backtrack on her previous comments made under duress and earn the teens’ respect back.

Growing pains are natural and come with any new team as it gets to know one another. It’s a hurdle that initially takes some time to overcome, but as Three Rock demonstrates, it doesn’t last forever.

Eve’s progression with Three Rock and the teamwork on display are arguably the best aspects of “Who Owns the Dirt.”

It takes some convincing, but with Eve finally opening up and admitting her fear of failure, the teens finally see the significance of their position. Even though it’s a prison program, Three Rock is, in many cases, the last line of defense between the flames and the people of Edgewater.

I don’t think it’s too far to say that their team bonding moment is one of the best lead-up-to moments we’ve seen, so far, this season.

An Awkward Brotherly Reunion

After weeks of building up to their inevitable meeting, Jake comes face-to-face with Malcolm while helping battle the fire in Drake County.

It’s an interaction that essentially goes how one would expect after Malcolm’s weeks of avoiding Jake’s advances. Rather than receiving a proper introduction, Jake initially fails to realize he’s chatting with Malcolm, further frustrating him.

The two keep a lookout for any signs of the fire’s advance while chatting a bit about their lives. Naturally, it turns into a semi-pissing match as the two volley verbal jabs. Eventually, they get along cordially, but there’s not enough time for them to bond adequately.

Making matters even worse, their brief introduction is abruptly halted when a boulder causes the firetruck they’re taking back to camp to crash. As if that’s not enough stress, the firetruck then rolls down the side of the hill, snapping a power pole in its path.

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Fire Country knows what it’s doing on “Who Owns the Dirt.” Not only does the series spend enough time developing each storyline, but it also leaves the audience with a proper cliffhanger.

How will Bode and Tyler make it out of the forest fire unscathed? What will come of Jake and Malcolm’s dreadful crash? Will Sharon be able to keep Chloe and Tyler safe from Landon?

All of these questions are sure to keep fans on their toes during the two-month hiatus. 

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What did you think of this episode of Fire Country? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

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Fire Country will return on Friday, February 26th, 2026, at 9/8c on CBS.

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