A blaze, a hooded figure, and rising tension—Season 14 promises chaos for Firehouse 51

The Cliffhanger That Left Everyone Gasping

Chicago Fire ended its Nov. 12 midseason finale with one of its most suspenseful moments yet. In the final scenes of “Pierce the Vein,” Severide and Van Meter confronted a school principal linked to a suspicious fire. As the three men talked inside the building, a hooded figure slipped away outside—right as flames erupted in the stairwell.

Fans watched in horror as another fire broke out, this time targeting someone deliberately. The scene ended without resolution, leaving viewers desperate to know who survived—and who’s behind the attack.

But that’s not the only fire threatening Firehouse 51.

Budget Cuts Hit Close to Home

While the team fights literal flames, another kind of heat is closing in. Due to ongoing budget issues tied to a teacher strike, Engine 51 has been pulled from service indefinitely. The move could shatter team dynamics—and may even split up crews who’ve been together for years.

How will Boden react? And can the team remain united when the very structure of Firehouse 51 is being dismantled?

Jocelyn Hudon: “There’s Just a Lot of Suspense”

Jocelyn Hudon, who plays paramedic Lyla “Lizzy” Novak, gave fans an exclusive sneak peek of what’s to come when Chicago Fire returns on January 7. Speaking to PopCulture.com, Hudon warned that “there’s just a lot of suspense” in the upcoming episodes. “It’s gonna be a little bit of a roller coaster for the audience,” she said—and fans wouldn’t expect anything less.

Hudon teased that the second half of Season 14 will crank up the intensity with more fires, high-stakes rescues, and major emotional twists. “There’s action, there’s fire, heights. Just some very interesting firehouse dynamics,” she promised.

What’s Next for Novak?

One of the season’s emotional arcs will involve Lizzy Novak herself. Hudon hinted at “some great love and trust action” ahead for her character, although even she admits she doesn’t know how it will all end.

“Every new script I get, I tear into it,” she said. “Because it is very exciting. And I’ve been loving what’s happening in my love-and-trust world.” With romantic tension rising and trust issues looming, Novak’s storyline could be one of the most compelling of the season.