For a show centered on teamwork and heroism, Chicago Fire faced an unexpected crisis during the filming of one particular scene—a moment so intense that it caused real friction between cast members, almost resulting in a shutdown of production. What happened behind the cameras during this explosive episode? And why did it leave some actors refusing to speak to each other for days?
It all happened during Season 9, while filming the emotionally charged episode titled “Double Red.” On screen, the firehouse team responds to a massive gas explosion that leaves several first responders injured and one firefighter presumed dead. The drama on set, however, went far beyond the script.
The trouble reportedly began during a pivotal moment in the scene where Lieutenant Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) disagree over a dangerous rescue maneuver. In the script, Kidd was meant to defy Severide’s command and act on her own instincts—saving a victim, but putting her own life at risk. It was written as a moment of empowerment, but not everyone saw it that way.
A crew member revealed, “There were differing views on how that scene should play out. Taylor thought Severide wouldn’t just let her do something so reckless without stepping in harder. Miranda felt it was time for Kidd to show her leadership, even if it clashed with her fiancé.”
Tensions escalated when the disagreement turned personal. Sources on set claim that during a break in filming, the debate over the characters’ actions spilled into a real-life argument. Kinney reportedly stormed off the set, and filming was paused for several hours.
“It got uncomfortable,” one producer admitted. “Everyone was walking on eggshells. These are passionate actors who care deeply about their characters, but the emotions went beyond performance that day.”
Director Reza Tabrizi attempted to mediate, rewriting part of the script on the fly to soften Severide’s reaction. However, the compromise didn’t sit well with all parties. Some crew members feared the tension would affect the chemistry between Severide and Kidd—just as fans were rooting for their relationship to solidify.
The final aired scene, while gripping, was the result of a heavily edited version. Several intense lines and gestures were reportedly cut to preserve the emotional balance between the two characters. But fans with sharp eyes noticed the unusually stiff body language and lack of warmth between Severide and Kidd—especially in the final seconds of the episode.
For weeks after the episode aired, rumors swirled about a potential behind-the-scenes rift. Some fans speculated that this incident contributed to Taylor Kinney’s later decision to take a temporary leave from the show in Season 11. While the network cited “personal reasons,” insiders pointed to burnout and unresolved cast tensions.
What makes this behind-the-scenes story even more compelling is that neither actor has publicly addressed it in full. Miranda Rae Mayo later hinted at “creative differences” in a podcast interview, while Kinney remained silent.
Despite the drama, Chicago Fire moved forward. Kidd and Severide’s relationship endured on-screen, and the cast continued working together professionally. But fans still wonder: what else went down that day on set? And could the fallout have been even worse?
The firehouse may always rise from the ashes—but sometimes, the real infernos burn behind the scenes.
