As the high-stakes world of Chicago Fire roars back into action in January 2026, fans are bracing for a “game-changing” sequence of events that could leave Firehouse 51 unrecognizable. Between budget-driven job losses and a life-threatening arson plot, the upcoming episodes of Season 14 are living up to the show’s reputation for heart-pounding twists.
Here is everything we know about the potential fatal twist and the major shifts facing the crew of 51.
The Cliffhanger: Who is in Real Danger?
The midseason return on January 7, 2026, picked up exactly where the winter finale left off: Kelly Severide and Captain Van Meter trapped in a lethal arson fire. While Severide (Taylor Kinney) managed a miraculous escape, the “fatal twist” has shifted toward Van Meter.
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Van Meter’s Fate: As of the latest episodes, Van Meter is fighting for his life in a medically induced coma. While he survived the initial blaze, the promo for the January 14 episode, “Something About Her,” shows a distraught Severide by his bedside, leading many to believe a permanent exit is looming for the veteran arson investigator.
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The Arsonist on the Loose: Severide has been removed from the investigation due to his personal ties to the victim, but true to his nature, he is “taking matters into his own hands” to find the culprit.
The Budget Axe: A Different Kind of “Death”
Perhaps even more shocking than a fire-related injury is the threat of Engine 51 being permanently decommissioned.
Annette Davis (Annabeth Gish) dropped a bombshell on Chief Dom Pascal: to avoid a city-wide teacher’s strike, the CFD is facing massive budget cuts. This means Randall “Mouch” McHolland may be out of a job just as he has finally stepped into his role as a lieutenant. While Mouch has cheated death many times before, this administrative “fatal twist” could be the one that finally forces him out of Firehouse 51.
Cast Shakeups: Who Has Already Left?
Season 14 has already seen a significant “trimming of the budget” in real life, with several series regulars departing the show:
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Sam Carver (Jake Lockett): Exited at the end of Season 13 to seek a fresh start, leaving Violet Mikami heartbroken.
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Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri): Made a brief appearance at the start of Season 14 to give the character a “proper goodbye” before moving on.
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Jack Damon (Michael Bradway): Severide’s half-brother left the firehouse due to scheduling conflicts and on-screen friction.
The New Face: To fill the void, the firehouse has welcomed Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente), a cocky but capable “cop-turned-firefighter” who is already causing a stir—and a potential new romance—with Violet.
The #Stellaride Crisis
As if a fire and a budget crisis weren’t enough, Stella Kidd and Severide are facing a devastating personal loss. Their foster son, Isaiah, is officially leaving their care to live with a family friend as his biological mother’s health improves. This “loss” has created a massive rift in their marriage, with the two grieving separately as they head into the latter half of the season.
Looking Ahead
Will Van Meter wake up, or will Severide’s tears in the hospital be a final goodbye? With Engine 51 on the chopping block and a serial arsonist still targeting the department, the “Full Circle” theme of Season 14 suggests that no one—not even the veterans—is safe from the fire this time.
