"Sometimes We Need Breaks": 'Fire Country' Star Defends Gabriela's Shocking Exit

Stephanie Arcila has had time to ruminate on her character's shock exit from Fire Country, and now, she's thinking it might be what's best for her character, Gabriela. Soon after the Season 3 finale aired, news broke that Arcila would not be returning to the first-responder series as a series regular. The news shocked not just the fans but Arcila as well. The actress was informed of her exit on the same day the show scored a Season 4 renewal, shortly before the news was made public. "I think I was in shock because I had no idea, and at the same time, this is the industry that we're in," the actress said in a recent interview with ScreenRant, addressing the departure. Further sharing her initial reaction with the outlet, she continued:

"This is the nature of our industry. So I also understand and, at the same time, had peace with it and was also just really grateful that it was while we were filming still so that I could have my goodbyes."

From battling depression to getting entangled in a dangerous stalker situation, Fire Country Season 3 was particularly tumultuous for Gabriela. Despite this, there were no obvious signs within her arc that foreshadowed her imminent departure. It remains unclear how the show intends to write out the character, but it will likely lean into a new opportunity elsewhere that will see her depart Edgewater. The creators have explained that the decision to write Gabriela out was creatively done in order to reset things and give the character a clean slate for a new chapter. Arcila has defended the decision, but hopes that the show can give Gabriela a proper farewell. Sharing her preference for what form the farewell should take, she told ScreenRant:

"The writers know what they're doing, and there are things that personally I would've loved. I would've loved to see her grow into her blooming season and all of that stuff, but I'm sure all of that comes with time as well. And sometimes we do need breaks, and we do need time to be on our own away from maybe the people that trigger us."

The Door's Open For Gabriela's 'Fire Country' Return

News of Arcila's exit also revealed that there was a chance she could return in a recurring or guest capacity in future seasons. However, as the writer's room for Season 4 goes into session, Arcila reveals she's yet to be offered any new deal for future appearances in the series, telling the outlet, "I have no idea" when asked about her role in Season 4. "We love Stephanie... We’re hoping that we can bring that character back," executive producer Tony Phelan previously said. Arcila is down for it, previously stating that she'll "never say never."

Fire Country Season 4 will premiere in the 2025-2026 TV Season. As always, stay tuned for future updates.