Another name raising alarm bells is Van Meter. The Season 14 fall finale left him trapped in a burning apartment alongside Kelly Severide, ending on a tense cliffhanger with no guaranteed escape. While fans are confident Severide will survive, Van Meter’s fate feels far less certain.
The setup itself is ominous. A makeshift rope, anchored to a bed frame, a civilian needing help first — all classic Chicago Fire signals that a sacrifice may be coming. In these situations, the show often protects its core characters while secondary figures bear the cost. Van Meter, despite his importance to the story, fits that tragic pattern.
If the writers choose to underline the danger of frontline work, Van Meter’s death or departure would serve as a stark reminder of the risks firefighters take daily. It would also deeply impact Severide, adding emotional weight to his leadership journey moving forward.
While viewers hope for a miracle rescue, the tension surrounding Van Meter feels deliberate — and potentially final.
