Two burning cliffhangers, one explosive conspiracy, and a beloved fire rig on the chopping block — here’s what it all means for 2026

A Fire with a Target—and a Message

The episode titled “Pierce the Vein” ended the year with a blaze—literally. Firehouse 51 responded to a school fire that quickly escalated into a criminal investigation when Kelly Severide discovered it was deliberately set outside the principal’s office.

The fire was no accident. Severide’s instincts proved right: this was a targeted attack on Principal Cole. While suspicion initially landed on a Black student named Wyatt—thanks to a prior marijuana bust and a tense encounter—his alibi at a basketball game, coupled with digital forensics, cleared his name. Investigators soon discovered the fire had been started remotely using a smart plug.

When Severide and Van Meter followed the trail to Cole’s home, another fire broke out in the stairwell—while a hooded figure slipped away into the night.

Someone clearly wants Cole dead. And they’re not afraid to try again.

Family Tensions Flare for Sal Vasquez

New recruit Sal Vasquez faced his own fire—this one emotional. His disgraced father Ray, newly released from prison, made an unexpected visit to Firehouse 51. Their icy reunion added pressure to Sal’s already shaky performance on the job.

While Violet Mikami tried to keep Sal grounded, their night out hinted at deeper connection—and deeper conflict ahead. The question remains: will Ray’s presence derail Sal’s future at the CFD?

Stella’s Absence, Lizzie’s Crisis

Stella Kidd was notably absent, away with Severide’s foster son Isaiah to seek medical care for Isaiah’s dying birth mother. The decision adds an emotional layer to the couple’s journey—and raises questions about future priorities.

Meanwhile, paramedic Lizzie Novak dealt with a family crisis of her own. Her estranged sister Heidi was found unconscious, triggering fears of addiction relapse. After a moment of reflection, Lizzie chose to reconnect, marking a rare soft note in an otherwise high-stakes episode.

A Threat to Firehouse 51’s Survival

In a devastating final twist, Firehouse 51 faces another challenge: budget cuts. City politics have struck again, and Engine Company 51—led by Mouch—is on the list to be decommissioned.

Dom Pascal receives the news from his love interest, Annette Davis, who delivers the blow over dinner. The rig’s potential shutdown could gut the team’s operations, especially as Mouch had just finished optimizing the engine’s compartment layout in hopes of proving 51’s value.

Will it be enough? Or is this the beginning of the end for Chicago’s most beloved firehouse?