Fire Country Finale Ends With Major Cast Departures and Cliffhanger

LOS ANGELES, April 25, 2025 — The Season 3 finale of CBS’s hit series Fire Country left fans reeling with a thrilling cliffhanger and the announcement of significant cast departures.

In the two-part finale, titled “A Change In the Wild” and “I’d Do It Again,” the character Bode Leone, played by Max Thieriot, faces the utmost stakes as he rushes into danger to save his family trapped in a burning building. But as the fiery drama unfolds, viewers learned that two original cast members, Stephanie Arcila and Billy Burke, will not return for Season 4.

Arcila’s character, Gabriela Perez, a firefighter and EMT, and Burke’s Vince Leone, Bode’s father and Cal Fire battalion chief, have been integral to the show since its inception. The finale features a life-or-death scenario involving Vince, his wife, Cal Fire Division Chief Sharon (Diane Farr), and his father, retired battalion chief Walter Leone (Jeff Fahey), who find themselves trapped in a collapsing facility.

Co-creators and executive producers expressed hope that Arcila could return as a guest star to continue Bode and Gabriela’s love story, although they remained tight-lipped about Burke’s fate. The ambiguity surrounding which character might exit adds an additional layer of suspense for fans of the series.

In an interview, co-creator Tia Napolitano explained that the decision to shake up the cast after three seasons reflects the realities faced by first responders. “People die; they leave. That’s a reality, there’s danger in this sort of job,” she stated.

As the finale unfolds, fans witness Bode heroically attempting to rescue a trapped girl while battling complications stemming from his recurring injuries. The tension escalates with a final scene that sees Walter and Vince unable to escape the flames, which leaves viewers contemplating their futures, as Bode looks on helplessly.

Moreover, the narrative tension extends beyond the cliffhanger as the season wraps up unresolved story arcs, such as Gabriela’s stalker. The aftermath of the finale raises pertinent questions about the impact on Bode, who has dealt with addiction and loss throughout the show’s run.

Producer Tony Phelan noted the show’s intention to resonate with audiences. “We want the audience to feel things,” he said. “Our characters support each other through hard times, and through times of change, it’ll still be the show that everybody loves; it’ll just get more interesting.”

While current details about Season 4 remain scarce, fans eagerly anticipate how the show’s creators will navigate the upcoming changes.