The beloved CBS drama Fire Country is entering uncharted territory with its biggest cast shakeup yet. After three seasons of keeping its original seven-member ensemble intact, Season 4 will look very different — with two major stars officially not returning.
Season 3 wrapped on April 25, but Deadline confirmed that both Stephanie Arcila and Billy Burke will not be returning as series regulars. The departures mark a turning point for the show’s emotional core, particularly as both characters have played pivotal roles since day one.
Stephanie, who portrays paramedic and firefighter Gabriela Perez — the on-again, off-again love interest of Max Thieriot’s Bode Leone — is stepping away. According to co-creators Joan Rater and Tony Phelan, and showrunner Tia Napolitano, the decision was rooted in creative storytelling rather than budget cuts. “There’s danger in this sort of job, so we wanted to honor that and really up the stakes,” Tia explained, noting the series’ commitment to portraying the reality of first responders. “People die, they leave.”
Despite her exit, producers remain hopeful Arcila may return in guest appearances. “We love Stephanie… we’re hoping that we can bring that character back,” Tony said, hinting the Bode-Gabriela storyline still has unresolved potential. Even Stephanie told Deadline, “I never say never.”
As for Billy Burke, who plays Vince Leone — Bode’s father and Jake’s (Jordan Calloway) boss — he’s also departing. Burke recently signed on for a role in the Peacock series M.I.A., and was reportedly among several Fire Country actors asked to reduce their episodes for Season 4 due to budget concerns. While reports suggest he declined, the showrunners insist his departure, like Stephanie’s, was driven by creative evolution.
Despite her exit, producers remain hopeful Arcila may return in guest appearances. “We love Stephanie… we’re hoping that we can bring that character back,” Tony said, hinting the Bode-Gabriela storyline still has unresolved potential. Even Stephanie told Deadline, “I never say never.”
As for Billy Burke, who plays Vince Leone — Bode’s father and Jake’s (Jordan Calloway) boss — he’s also departing. Burke recently signed on for a role in the Peacock series M.I.A., and was reportedly among several Fire Country actors asked to reduce their episodes for Season 4 due to budget concerns. While reports suggest he declined, the showrunners insist his departure, like Stephanie’s, was driven by creative evolution.
