‘Chicago Fire’: David Eigenberg Reflects on Herrmann’s Heartbreak After His Family Home Burns Down
In one of the most emotional episodes of Chicago Fire to date, longtime fan-favorite Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) faced every firefighter’s worst nightmare — watching his own home go up in flames. The devastating Season 14 episode, titled “Mercy,” left both the character and viewers shaken, as Firehouse 51 found themselves responding to a blaze that struck painfully close to home.
“Our Whole Lives Were in That House”
When the call came in, no one at 51 expected it to lead them to Herrmann’s front door. The fire that destroyed his family’s home was later revealed to have started from a stove malfunction, not faulty wiring as Herrmann initially feared. Still, the guilt and heartbreak were palpable as he sifted through the wreckage of the life he built with his wife Cindy and their children.
Speaking exclusively about the episode, David Eigenberg admitted that the storyline hit hard for Herrmann — even if, personally, he approaches loss differently. “For the character, it was written much more devastating,” he explained. “I think Herrmann is crushed. The kids are growing up, life’s changing, and now their home is gone. That’s a lot for him to carry.”
A Lifetime in Ashes
Herrmann’s home has been part of Chicago Fire for years, serving as the backdrop for family dinners, teenage chaos, and heartfelt moments with Cindy. Losing that space symbolized more than physical loss — it marked a turning point in Herrmann’s life as his children head off to college and he adjusts to a quieter, lonelier chapter.
“We were working with a young background actor who said he grew up watching the show,” Eigenberg shared. “It made me realize how long it’s been. The show’s been on 14 years — my kids grew up too. It’s crazy. We’re really lucky and blessed.”
Herrmann’s Decision Still Haunts Him
The tragedy comes at a difficult time for Herrmann, who recently stepped down as lieutenant, handing the reins to Mouch. The decision meant a pay cut — one that now weighs heavily as his family faces rebuilding from scratch.
“It’s stitched into my mind that that’s the decision Herrmann made,” Eigenberg said. “He questions it constantly. That’s what I love about this show — we don’t always make clean, easy choices. Sometimes people make goofy decisions, and they have to live with them.”
A Glimmer of Hope: The Ring
Amid the ashes came a rare moment of grace. With help from Mouch (Christian Stolte), Herrmann recovered Cindy’s late mother’s ring — a symbol of love, survival, and hope. The moment, simple yet powerful, gave the family a reason to keep going.
“I really liked that they added that scene,” Eigenberg said. “As a firefighter, when you lose everything, you just want to find something — a piece of home, a memory, anything. Nobody wants to see their wife or kids cry. That ring gave Herrmann a sense that not everything was gone.”
He also praised his on-screen wife, Robyn Coffin, who has portrayed Cindy since Season 1. “Robyn’s incredible,” he said warmly. “She raises the bar every time. I love that their relationship feels real — messy, loving, and human. That scene with the ring is one of my favorites we’ve done.”
Picking Up the Pieces
As Herrmann and his family settle into temporary housing, the future remains uncertain. Will they rebuild, move, or start fresh somewhere new? Eigenberg remains tight-lipped about what’s ahead but promises the journey will be grounded in heart.
“I don’t know what’s next,” he admitted. “We’re left in the dark too. But it’s harsh to lose everything. You just have to find the pieces that still mean something — and keep moving.”