I think this song is in response to the 3 mile Island nuclear accident in 1979(I hear the thunder 3 miles away) ; however it's message is still relevant. Dan is advocating a cessation of the use of nuclear, and in my opinion fossil fuels (Kill the fire, and turn to the sun). And its relevanced is seen in the Exxon Valdez and bp Gulf oil spills where corporations and government were innefective in clean up and paid lip service to the concerns of the citizens most affected by the disaster. (The poison is spreading the demon is free)
We miss you Dan!