the fire returned for the 1998 season. they finished the season with a record of 16 wins and 12 losses (including 1 shootout win and two shootout losses) for 49 points. this placed them 3rd overall in the seven-team league. the fire made the playoffs, losing to the mississippi beach kings 2 games to 1 in the semi-final round. the fire averaged 2,535 fans per game, fourth-best in the eisl where the average league game saw 2,733 fans in attendance.