We just got a massive update about Taylor Kinney’s possible return to the show,

and what just came out will definitely start a new, well, fire. In an announcement made

by Deadline on October 31, Chicago Fire revealed that Taylor is expected to return to

season 12 as the longtime fan-favorite Kelly Severide. The news of him coming back to the hit drama comes weeks after the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) struck a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which allowed the show’s writers room to head back to work on October 4. Alongside the disclosure of Taylor’s impending return, Variety also released a major clue about when fans can expect to see Severide on-screen again. While it’s not clear how many episodes he’ll be in this season, the writer’s room does plan for him to re-appear sometime toward the beginning of season 12.

To view this content, you’ll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. When fans learned that the longtime actor planned to step back into his firefighting gear for another go-around on Chicago Fire, it wasn’t long before they voiced their excitement on social media. “So excited I am so happy. Hopefully it’s full-time,” one person wrote on Instagram. “Best news I’ve heard 🔥❤️,” another rejoiced. “Great news. Now get this strike over so we can get them all back on screen.

Hopefully Taylor will return full time. 👏👏🔥🔥❤️❤️,” another added, referring to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. As fans may remember, Taylor exited Chicago Fire halfway through season 11 back in January to take a leave of absence for “personal matters.” At the time of his leaving, the show wrote Severide out of the rest of the season, saying he left Chicago for an opportunity to work in an arson investigating training program. Needless to say, we’re thrilled to see Taylor back on our screens very soon!