“Fire Country” Confirms Season 4 Will Premiere Two Months Earlier Despite the Departure of Two Key Cast Members

CBS has officially announced that Fire Country will return for its fourth season earlier than expected, premiering in July 2025 — two months ahead of its usual fall schedule. The move comes amid major casting changes, as two of the show’s original stars, Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila, will not be returning.

Stephanie Arcila, who played firefighter Gabriela Perez, has exited the series after three seasons. According to the production team, Arcila’s departure is part of a broader creative decision to “restructure” the storyline and open new paths for the main character, Bode Donovan (played by Max Thieriot). In the Season 3 finale, Gabriela chooses to leave Edgewater to start fresh after a series of personal losses, bringing her turbulent relationship with Bode to an end — at least for now. However, producers have hinted that Gabriela’s return remains a possibility in future seasons.

As for Billy Burke, who portrayed fire chief Vince Leone, there has been no official announcement regarding his character’s fate. Still, multiple sources suggest that Burke will not return for Season 4. The Season 3 finale left Vince’s fate hanging in the balance after he was trapped inside a burning building, fueling speculation that this might serve as the character’s exit.

In response to these changes, CBS has accelerated production and adjusted its release strategy. Launching Season 4 earlier is intended to maintain Fire Country’s momentum and fill scheduling gaps caused by production delays across the industry following recent strikes.

Despite the absence of two major characters, Season 4 promises to continue exploring the themes of bravery, sacrifice, and complex family dynamics that have made Fire Country one of CBS’s most popular dramas.

Fans can look forward to reuniting with Bode Donovan and his firefighting team as early as next summer.