The Fire Country Season 4 premiere promises to be an emotional one as the Cal Fire team mourns the loss of Vince Leone. The beloved Station 42 battalion chief was killed in the Season 3 finale when the Zabel Ridge fire caused a building to collapse on top of him.
The Season 4 promo, released on September 24, 2026, confirms that Sharon (Diane Farr) and Walter (Jeff Fahey) survived the collapse, but Vince did not. Bode (Max Thieriot) was locked inside a firetruck dcuring the rescue attempt for his own safety, and now he must confront the harsh reality of losing his father.
In the trailer, Bode delivers an emotional eulogy, vowing, “I’m gonna spend the rest of my career protecting my father’s town, my father’s stations, and my father’s mission.” Later, he tells Jake that he believes he should become battalion chief, calling the position his “birthright,” even though Jake may be more experienced.
The Season 4 premiere, “Goodbye for Now,” airs Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. ET. It picks up immediately after the Zabel Ridge fire, following a Station 42 crew shaken by tragedy. According to the official logline, the team faces internal conflict but must come together for a high-stakes rescue that will test their loyalty and determine the firehouse’s future.
As viewers watch the fallout from Vince’s death, many are wondering why Billy Burke left the show — and whether it was his decision.
Why Did Billy Burke Leave Fire Country?
The choice to kill Vince was made by the show’s writers, not Burke himself. Co-creators Tony Phelan and Joan Rater explained that the decision was rooted in authenticity: to stay true to the world of wildland firefighting, the show needed to depict real, irrevocable loss.
Phelan explained that after three seasons with the same core cast, it felt like the right moment to show the consequences firefighters face every day. Last season had focused heavily on themes of legacy, especially Vince’s relationship with his father and with Bode. The writers believed that his death would challenge the characters — and the series — in a meaningful way, forcing them to reevaluate their roles and futures.
The creators also emphasized their respect for both the character and Billy Burke. They intend for Vince’s absence to resonate throughout the entire season, especially as the younger firefighters confront new responsibilities and personal growth.
Rater noted that the team chose to reveal Vince’s death in the Season 4 trailer rather than saving it for the premiere, so fans could brace themselves emotionally and the show could focus on the impact of the loss from the opening moments.
How Billy Burke Learned His Character Was Being Written Off
According to co-creator Tony Phelan, telling Burke about Vince’s death was “a very difficult conversation.” Though the writers love the character and the actor, they felt the story demanded such a loss. Phelan also didn’t rule out the possibility of Burke returning in some form in the future — though nothing is currently planned.
Outside of Fire Country, Billy Burke is widely known for playing Charlie Swan in the Twilight saga and has starred in series such as Revolution, Zoo, and 9-1-1: Lone Star.
