For the first episodes of Chicago Fire Season 14, Firehouse 51 has been adjusting to major changes, including the aftermath of Stella Kidd’s departure. Chief Dom Pascal’s presence has been limited, leaving fans wondering how his storyline will evolve. But in Episode 3, “Burning Bridges,” the promo hints that another emotional twist is on the horizon for Pascal. The teaser boldly asks — “Who pays the price?” — while showing Violet (Hanako Greensmith) with a tense, tearful expression and Damon (Michael Bradway) navigating a perilous fire scene. The big question: who’s in danger this season, and what will it mean for Pascal?
Who’s at risk in Chicago Fire Season 14?
Early trailers and promos are deliberately misleading. Damon appears in a tense situation, which makes him an obvious candidate for peril. But considering Severide (Taylor Kinney) and the rest of the team are settling into new dynamics after Stella’s exit, it would be shocking for Damon to be the focal point of a tragedy. If Violet is visibly shaken, it’s likely that the danger involves someone Pascal deeply cares about — not necessarily a frontline firefighter like Damon.
Violet’s subtle head shake in the teaser is a classic sign of bad news, and since she is the PIC, her reaction likely signals someone close to Pascal has been affected. The camera focus on Pascal and Violet, rather than Severide, reinforces the idea that the person in jeopardy is tied to Pascal’s personal life. And while Stella’s heroic moments in past seasons often put her in harm’s way, this season she’s already gone, shifting the emotional weight to other characters.
All signs point toward Monica Pascal. She hasn’t been a major focus on screen, but we know she’s central to Dom Pascal’s life. Violet’s empathy could be a response to having to deliver devastating news to Pascal about Monica, rather than a reaction to danger befalling a firefighter like Damon.
With Season 14 exploring more personal stakes for the team and showing how leadership changes affect Firehouse 51, a crisis involving Monica could have a profound impact on Pascal. It might make him reconsider his role at the station, prioritizing family over career — a deeply human response to tragedy. At the same time, this would pave the way for Herrmann’s leadership to solidify, echoing the slow transition we saw hinted at in Season 13.
Season 14 promises high emotional stakes, showing that while the firehouse remains a home for its firefighters, the battles outside — personal loss, love, and grief — can burn just as intensely.
