Curious why Gabriela Perez and Chief Vince Leone are leaving Fire Country before Season 4? The CBS drama’s explosive Season 3 finale set the stage for major cast changes, leaving fans speculating about the fate of two original characters.
Here’s what we know about Stephanie Arcila and Billy Burke’s exits and what it means for the series moving forward.
Why is Stephanie Arcila’s Gabriela Perez leaving Fire Country before Season 4?
Stephanie Arcila will not return as a series regular in Fire Country Season 4.
According to the show’s producers, the decision was creative and not driven by budget cuts. Executive producer Tony Phelan confirmed, “We are committed to saying that the Bode-Gabriela story does not end here,” while co-creator Tia Napolitano added, “We hope to see her back very soon” (via Deadline).
Arcila learned of her exit while filming the Season 3 finale, which concluded with her character Gabriela surviving a stalker attack. She described the timing as “serendipitous,” saying, “I believe in fate and that we’re put where we’re supposed to be” (via Deadline).
She emphasized that this is part of what actors sign up for. Arcila also said, “I never say never,” when asked about a return. Her departure creates space for a pause in Gabriela and Bode’s relationship, especially since Bode is currently seeing someone else.
Why Billy Burke’s Chief Vince Leone is leaving Fire Country before Season 4
Billy Burke, who plays Chief Vince Leone, will exit the series ahead of Season 4.
The producers did not confirm his departure in pre-finale interviews. However, the Season 3 finale set up a possible character death by placing Vince inside a memory care facility that collapsed during a wildfire.
The show built Vince’s exit arc around his reconciliation with his father Walter and a major rescue mission. The finale left his fate unclear, as the building collapsed before anyone confirmed his survival. Burke has since joined Peacock’s M.I.A. in a guest role. He and other cast members reportedly declined requests to reduce their episode count for next season.
Executive producers denied a connection, stating, “It’s really coming out of us wanting to be exciting storytellers,” according to Joan Rater.
