Firehouse 51 returns tonight with Chicago Fire Season 14, and the drama is already heating up. From Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide’s unexpected baby storyline to the arrival of new recruits and a mysterious city official, the NBC hit is promising an explosive season ahead.
Stella and Severide’s Baby Bombshell
Last season’s finale ended with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) revealing she was pregnant, despite her earlier doubts about carrying a child. After a failed adoption attempt, the news changes everything for her and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney).
“Life is difficult, parenthood is tricky, it’s a struggle,” showrunner Andrea Newman told Parade. “Seeing the transition for her between all of the concerns she had early on and what it actually looks like in play as a parent and a firefighter is something we’re excited to explore.”
For Kidd, who fought hard to earn her spot as lieutenant, balancing motherhood and firefighting will bring brand-new challenges — both at home and in the firehouse.
Meet Sal Vasquez — Firehouse 51’s New Wild Card
Season 14 also introduces Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente), a cocky firefighter with a troubled family history. Kidd immediately senses something off about him, and his attitude only makes it harder to earn trust.
“He’s got a very mysterious family background,” Newman teased. “It’s sort of like she was born to be the lieutenant to Sal Vasquez — this will evolve her and evolve Sal at the same time.”
Expect sparks, tension, and plenty of clashes as Kidd tries to rein him in.
Annette Davis Brings Political Pressure
Anabeth Gish joins the season in a recurring role as Annette Davis, the mayor’s chief of staff. She debuts in the premiere with bad news for Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) and Firehouse 51.
Newman hinted at a complicated relationship: “They have similarities that’ll bring them together, and then they also have very different priorities that will tear them apart and cause all sorts of issues both for the firehouse and for Pascal personally.”
Meet Sal Vasquez — Firehouse 51’s New Wild Card
Season 14 also introduces Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente), a cocky firefighter with a troubled family history. Kidd immediately senses something off about him, and his attitude only makes it harder to earn trust.
“He’s got a very mysterious family background,” Newman teased. “It’s sort of like she was born to be the lieutenant to Sal Vasquez — this will evolve her and evolve Sal at the same time.”
Expect sparks, tension, and plenty of clashes as Kidd tries to rein him in.
Annette Davis Brings Political Pressure
Anabeth Gish joins the season in a recurring role as Annette Davis, the mayor’s chief of staff. She debuts in the premiere with bad news for Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) and Firehouse 51.
Newman hinted at a complicated relationship: “They have similarities that’ll bring them together, and then they also have very different priorities that will tear them apart and cause all sorts of issues both for the firehouse and for Pascal personally.”
Who’s Leaving Firehouse 51?
The new season also begins with farewells. Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) have already transferred out, with Carver heading to Denver. But the most emotional exit belongs to Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), whose departure plays out in the premiere.
Still, Newman reassures fans that exits on Chicago Fire are rarely final: “Any of them could come back. You say your big emotional goodbyes, and there they are a few weeks later.”
What’s Next for Season 14?
With Stella and Severide preparing for a baby, Vasquez testing the limits of Firehouse 51, and Pascal navigating political landmines, the new season promises high-stakes rescues, personal turmoil, and explosive drama.
