The Brigade bowlers, led by skipper Rob Salter and Jackson Barnett, hit back late in the day to have the home side a shaky 4-62, still needing 80 runs to take a first-innings lead.
Salter had figures of 2-35 off 10 overs and Barnett 2-27 off 12 overs.
But the potential main stumbling block for the Flames, Asantha Singappuli, was still at the wicket when stumps were drawn and will resume on 21 not out this Saturday.
The Fire Brigade innings was highlighted by a gem of an effort from Brett Andison, with the opener making 85 off 148 deliveries, including 12 fours.
But only Salter (24) and Shannon Fleming (19) gave him any support with the bat, with Singappuli and Tristan Watson both picking up three wickets each for the home side.
Tongala forfeited its game with Nondies Cohuna in respect to the loss of two of its playing members, Luke and Benny Smith, in a plane tragedy the previous Saturday.
Tongala also called off its games in the minor grades, which won’t be replayed.
Bamawm-Lockington United has given Rochester a 255-run chase for victory in their clash at Bamawm.
Home team openers Kade Pearse, with a gritty 73 off 218 deliveries, and Regis Chakabva, with 77 off 97 balls (including seven fours and two sixes), gave LBU a dream start, and handy knocks from Noah Turner (27) and Jake Toll (24) provided a welcome late boost to the score.
Opening bowler Angus Martin, with 4-37 off 16 overs, and Jesse Cuttriss, with 3-77 off 24 overs, were the pick of the Rochester bowlers.
Moama, with half-centuries from Tony McMahon, Matt Saunders, and Rhys Drennan, and 36 from coach Michael Hill, posted 263 in its vital clash with Leitchville-Gunbower.
Blake Gibson, with 3-20 off 7.5 overs, and Simon Tatt, with an economical 3-45 off 15 overs (including five maidens), were the most successful LG bowlers.
