As Chicago Fire heads into its fifth episode of Season 14, fans are bracing for a tense and emotional hour centered on one of the show’s most beloved characters — Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). The new promo teases a life-threatening situation that could shake Firehouse 51 to its core, leaving viewers asking the big question: Is Kidd in danger?
A Call Turns Deadly
The episode’s trailer opens with what looks like a routine outdoor rescue — but quickly spirals into chaos. Firehouse 51 responds to a scene where a victim lies unconscious on the ground. Nearby, Cruz (Joe Minoso) and Severide (Taylor Kinney) spot a fallen raven, a haunting symbol that something toxic is in the air. Moments later, Kidd collapses beside the victim, overwhelmed by an unseen gas.
The imagery — eerie, silent, and suffocating — sets up one of the season’s most unnerving rescue calls yet. Since the team is outdoors, it’s unlikely to be carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, the presence of gas canisters near the scene suggests a chemical leak or airborne toxin, similar to 9-1-1’s recent antifreeze storyline.
While the promo raises alarm bells, it’s unlikely that Chicago Fire would kill off Kidd so early in the season. However, the sequence will almost certainly test her limits — and Severide’s — as Squad 3 races against time to save her and the victims.
A Synopsis That Leaves Questions
NBC’s official synopsis for Episode 5 doesn’t offer much clarity, leaving fans guessing. It teases that Cruz turns to an ally, though it’s unclear whether this connects to the hazardous call or the larger issue of budget cuts impacting the firehouse.
Recent episodes have shown Firehouse 51 stretched thin, with Violet (Hanako Greensmith) and Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) already struggling to manage staffing shortages in the paramedic unit. Could Cruz’s “ally” be someone who can help keep 51 running amid growing resource challenges?
Meanwhile, Mouch (Christian Stolte) is said to “help a friend in need,” which might tie back to Herrmann’s (David Eigenberg) financial crisis after his family’s home was lost in the previous episode. Expect heartfelt scenes at Molly’s — the bar that continues to serve as the emotional hub for Chicago’s first responders.
Trouble for Vasquez
Another lingering storyline involves Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente), the new firefighter whose father’s mysterious imprisonment has been a recurring subplot. In Episode 4, Vasquez revealed that critical evidence — including a medical report and the murder weapon — vanished from the case file.
Now, as he digs deeper, Vasquez risks crossing dangerous lines to clear his father’s name. Novak appears poised to help him, but their growing involvement could backfire if they uncover something the department wants buried.
Halloween at Molly’s — and a Moment of Levity
Despite the intensity of the rescue storyline, Episode 5 is also expected to deliver a touch of Halloween fun. Behind-the-scenes photos show Firehouse 51 members in costume, likely celebrating at Molly’s Bar. Mouch reportedly gives an emotional toast honoring Herrmann’s sacrifices — a brief, heartfelt reminder that even amid chaos, 51 is still a family.
What’s Next for Kidd and Severide?
Kidd’s collapse won’t just serve as a shocking mid-season twist — it’s likely to reignite conversations about her pregnancy storyline introduced earlier this season. Executive producer Andrea Newman recently called it a “loaded and emotional journey,” suggesting that this new health scare could complicate things further for the couple.
Whatever happens in Episode 5, it’s clear that Firehouse 51 is entering a volatile stretch. Between toxic threats, financial struggles, and unresolved mysteries, the firehouse’s unity will be tested like never before.
