Fans immediately noticed one major absence in the Chicago Fire Season 14 fall finale on Nov. 12: Stella Kidd, played by Miranda Rae Mayo, was nowhere to be seen. The unexpected disappearance raised alarms across the fandom — had Kidd left Firehouse 51 for good?

The answer: Yes, Miranda Rae Mayo has temporarily left Chicago Fire — but no, this is not a permanent exit. Kidd’s absence is built into the storyline and only sidelines her for a short time.

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What Happened to Kidd on Chicago Fire?

In Season 14, Episode 6, Kidd becomes concerned that Isaiah’s mother isn’t receiving proper care at her current rehab facility following a medical setback. Determined to get her the help she needs, Kidd begins searching for a new center — but everywhere she calls has a long waiting list.

When she stops by Chicago Med to drop off a patient, she runs into Sharon Goodwin, who suggests a highly reputable facility that does have space. The catch? It’s in Cleveland.

Kidd wastes no time arranging the transfer. She then tells Isaiah that they’ll both head to Cleveland for a few weeks to make sure his mother settles in safely.

In short: Kidd didn’t disappear — she left Chicago temporarily for a compassionate reason entirely consistent with her character.

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So How Long Will Kidd Be Gone?

The good news: Kidd is returning.
The less-clear news: We don’t know exactly when.

On-screen, Kidd says she and Isaiah will be in Cleveland “a few weeks.” But fans know Chicago Fire doesn’t operate on real-time storytelling. Some episodes cover a single day; others jump a week or more. Because of this, her absence could translate to:

• 2–3 episodes, which is typical for a series regular’s brief break

• Possibly a bit longer, depending on how the writers choose to pace the season

Historically, most core cast members miss two to four episodes each season due to scheduling, negotiations, or story structure. This appears to be exactly that kind of planned, low-drama hiatus.

The storyline also ensures that once Kidd returns, viewers won’t have to worry about sporadic disappearances later in the season — her absence is handled neatly, naturally, and with emotional purpose.