While Fire Country season 3’s finale aimed to highlight how Vince, Sharon and Walter could have all lost their lives, one unfortunate announcement spoiled Fire Country season 3’s cliffhanger. Indeed, with the confirmation of Vince’s Billy Burke and Gabriela’s Stephanie Arcila not returning as series regulars for Fire Country season 4, season 3’s ending acknowledged how Vince’s death is extremely likely, especially after Fire Country’s showrunner and co-creators expressed happiness at the possibility of Gabriela returning in the future. This upends one character’s major move, giving them what they wanted in Fire Country season 3 and creating their new enemies.

Vince’s Likely Death In Fire Country Season 3’s Finale Changes Jake’s Path

Jake Was Set To Leave Station 42 For Butte Because He Wanted To Become Battalion Chief

Before Finn’s actions and the Zabel Ridge fire precipitated the crises in all the Fire Country season 3 characters’ stories, the major development of season 3, episode 19 was Jake’s last day as Station 42’s captain. Fire Country season 3, episode 18 had, after all, ended with Jake and Vince’s heart-to-heart, where the latter admitted it was easy for him to proclaim he never wished the former to go. At the same time, Vince also acknowledged how Jake deserved a promotion to battalion chief, something that could never happen at Station 42 because Vince didn’t want to retire.

Vince’s problem in Fire Country season 3, episode 19’s beginning was finding somebody who could fill in Jake’s shoes, and Sharon hastily threw her weight behind Manny taking over as Station 42’s captain, at least privately, expressing her idea to Manny. Fire Country season 3’s cliffhanger apparently eliminating Station 42’s higher management, threatening its division chief’s life and seemingly killing off its battalion chief, ominously paved the way for Jake’s promotion to battalion chief within Station 42 in Fire Country season 4, something that would be impossible if Vince survived.

Jake Progressing His Career In The Aftermath Of Vince’s Death Can Enrage Bode & Sharon

Bode & Sharon Could View Jake’s Career Progression As Profiting From Vince’s Death

The circumstances of Buena Vista’s roof collapse can already provide Bode with an excuse to see Jake at fault. After all, Bode would have gone back into the building if it weren’t for Jake telling him to stand down – something Vince and Sharon had done mere moments before as they re-entered the building for Walter – and even physically restraining him after the first explosion.