A Season of Upheaval

Chicago Fire Season 14 lands on NBC this October, and it promises to be one of the most dramatic seasons yet. The CFD is facing sweeping downsizing, forcing Firehouse 51 to adjust to budget cuts, smaller crews, and constant pressure on the first responders. This change affects not only the team’s professional lives but also their personal struggles, raising the stakes higher than ever before.

Who’s Leaving Firehouse 51?

Three major characters will exit during the season. Damon, Severide’s half-brother, is first on the list. After searching for a stronger bond with Severide, Damon may leave earlier than expected, though fans hope for a proper farewell.

Sam Carver, who has struggled with both his job and his personal life, hinted at wanting to return home. Season 14 finally shows him taking that step, though it is unclear if he will get the sendoff he deserves.

Finally, Darren Ritter will appear in several episodes before his departure. His absence will hit Violet especially hard, as she loses two of her closest allies. These exits will leave lasting emotional scars and force the team to regroup.

The Mandate: Cuts That Change Everything

Season 13 introduced an auditor storyline that hinted at cost-cutting. Season 14 takes that premise further, showing how deep the cuts run in the CFD. Firehouses close, trucks run with fewer members, and every team feels the strain.

Annabeth Gish joins as Annette Davis, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, who enforces the mandatory downsizing. Her arrival signals the start of relentless changes. Truck loses two members, Engine and Squad are reshuffled, and Ambo faces a crushing workload. Even Capp is reassigned to help carry the load.

A New Face in the Firehouse

With departures and downsizing, Firehouse 51 welcomes a new recruit. Brandon Larracuente plays Sal Vasquez, a cop-turned-firefighter with a bold personality and a deep family history in the first responder world. Sal is skilled but cocky, and his arrival stirs friction within the team.

Showrunner Andrea Newman teased that Sal will clash with Kidd, his lieutenant, while also challenging Novak as she tries to understand him. Severide, however, finds common ground with Sal, setting up a complex dynamic in the firehouse.

Personal Struggles and Shifting Dynamics

The new season doesn’t just focus on the CFD’s restructuring—it also digs into personal arcs. Stella Kidd and Severide face a new chapter as they prepare for parenthood. Their journey will test their ability to balance family life with the dangers of their jobs.

Meanwhile, Herrmann steps aside from his role as lieutenant to support Mouch. This role reversal flips their dynamic and places Mouch in unfamiliar territory as Herrmann’s superior. Their friendship faces new tension, and the season asks whether loyalty can survive such a dramatic change.

A Darker Tone Ahead

From the teaser footage, one detail is clear—there are no smiles. The mood is darker, and the challenges are heavier. With downsizing, emotional goodbyes, and rising personal stakes, Chicago Fire Season 14 is shaping up to be a turning point for the series.

When to Watch

Chicago Fire Season 14 premieres Wednesday, October 1, with a 21-episode run. Fans should prepare for big exits, bold new arrivals, and some of the toughest challenges Firehouse 51 has ever faced.