Chicago Fire has never shied away from reinventing itself. After thirteen seasons of explosive rescues, heartbreaking goodbyes, and surprising twists at Firehouse 51, the NBC juggernaut is stepping into its fourteenth season with a new spark — and his name is Sal Vásquez.
Played by Brandon Larracuente (13 Reasons Why, On Call), Vásquez is the kind of character designed to stir the pot: a rebel firefighter with authority issues and a streak of unpredictability. And according to executive producer Andrea Newman, that’s exactly what Firehouse 51 needs right now.
A Catalyst for Change
“He’s kind of a rebel, he’s kind of a bad boy coming in,” Newman teased to TVLine. “He’s had a lot of problems with authority, personally and professionally.” That rough-around-the-edges energy may create tension, especially with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), who steps into the tricky role of managing him.
But don’t expect the relationship to be one-note. Newman added that while Vásquez may push boundaries, Kidd might be the only lieutenant capable of channeling his fire into something useful. “She might just be the person who can manage him, keep him employed in the CFD, and bring out his best qualities — all while trying not to kill each other in the process.”
The Mystery of His Arrival
One of the biggest questions heading into Season 14 is why Vásquez was placed at Firehouse 51 in the first place. With citywide cutbacks, layoffs, and policy changes threatening the CFD, his sudden transfer to what many consider the “best firehouse in the city” feels suspicious.
“There’s a mystery as to why, when all this is happening, he’s the one being moved to 51,” Newman revealed. “How did that happen? And why did that happen?” Those questions will unravel in the opening episodes, promising not only drama but potentially a new layer of political intrigue for the series.
Filling the Gaps After Departures
Larracuente’s arrival comes after notable exits from Daniel Kyri (Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Carver), leaving a void in the ensemble. NBC was quick to scoop up the actor after the cancellation of Prime Video’s On Call earlier this year, where he starred alongside Troian Bellisario and Lori Loughlin. For Chicago Fire, his casting is both a fresh injection of energy and a chance to shake up long-standing dynamics within the squad.
Welcomed Into the Family
Joining a cast that has been working together for over a decade could have been intimidating, but Larracuente describes the transition as seamless. Speaking with NBC Insider, he recalled a warm welcome orchestrated by David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann).
“Before we shot anything, David and his wife set up a big cast dinner,” he said. “It wasn’t just the current cast — there were some cast members from previous seasons too. It was nice to see how well these people got along. It really felt like a family.”
That sense of camaraderie has carried over onto set. “The core has been here for 13 years, but they keep it light. They respect the work, they show up prepared, but they make it fun. I couldn’t ask for anything else.”
What Vásquez Means for Season 14
With Season 14 premiering October 1, fans won’t have to wait long to see how Sal Vásquez fits into the world of 51. Will his rebellious streak bring out conflict, or will Kidd and Severide (Taylor Kinney) be able to channel his potential into something that strengthens the firehouse?
One thing’s for sure: Firehouse 51 has always thrived on tension, teamwork, and transformation. And in Sal Vásquez, the show may have found its most combustible new element yet.
