Firehouse 51 Braces for a New Arrival
Season 14 of Chicago Fire is turning up the heat with the introduction of Sal Vasquez, played by Brandon Larracuente. Best known for his roles in 13 Reasons Why and The Good Doctor, Larracuente joins the One Chicago universe as a firefighter whose confidence may shake up the dynamics at Firehouse 51.
The series returns October 1 on NBC, and fans can expect Vasquez’s arrival to make waves from the start.
A Confident — Maybe Too Confident — Firefighter
According to Larracuente, Sal Vasquez knows his job and doesn’t hesitate to show it. That self-assurance, however, doesn’t always sit well with everyone.
“Sal is really confident in his ability to be a firefighter. He’s extremely sure of himself,” Larracuente told NBC Insider. “He knows sometimes that can rub people the wrong way. ’Cause when he has a lot of self-assurance, that can be mistaken for cockiness.”
But beneath that bravado lies a deeper story. Vasquez is the son of a police officer, a background that shaped his character and will unfold as Season 14 progresses.
“An Onion” with Layers to Peel Back
While Vasquez may appear brash at first, Larracuente says the Chicago Fire writers leaned into his hidden complexities.
“Because on the surface, he may appear a certain way. But as the season progresses, that self-assurance in himself starts to break because of the things that are happening around him,” Larracuente explained. “When you deal with family issues and relationships in the firehouse, you start to crumble as a human being. And it’s nice to see the other characters in the show lift him up.”
Fans can expect Vasquez’s personal struggles to ripple through the firehouse, adding new drama while deepening bonds with the rest of the crew.
Season 14: A Fresh Start and New Challenges
The One Chicago Wednesdays lineup returns in full force this fall:
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Chicago Med kicks off the night at 8/7c.
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Chicago Fire follows at 9/8c with Vasquez’s explosive debut.
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Chicago P.D. closes things out at 10/9c.
Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock, giving fans multiple ways to keep up with the action.
Final Word: Vasquez Shakes Up the Firehouse
Sal Vasquez is not just another new face—he’s a character designed to grow, challenge, and evolve. With confidence that could border on arrogance, a complicated family history, and a heart that may crack under pressure, Vasquez promises to be one of the most layered additions Firehouse 51 has seen in years.
As Brandon Larracuente puts it, Sal is “an onion”—and fans are about to start peeling back those layers.
