The reference directs our thoughts to 1 Kings 18:24, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to bring fire down from heaven in order to light the sacrifices. With their words and cries and screams they were not able to do so, while Elijah with his words of prayer succeeded. In that sense, this beast puts himself forward as more than Elijah, and therefore more than the God of Elijah.
13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people,