The CFD is looking at some major changes in Chicago Fire Season 14. A department-wide initiative aims to reduce costs, which may result in the permanent removal of certain programs, items, and workers. Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman told TV Line that layoffs and cuts in their show are inspired by what’s happening in our world. “It’s very real to the CFD,” she said. The show did not introduce an auditor to craft and out for their departing characters. “[It] wasn’t even done intentionally for that, but because it’s so in the zeitgeist, people coming in and gutting departments and gutting places, it’s very real to the CFD. They’ve done that, too,” the showrunner said. “And so, that is definitely happening next season,” she continued, then added:

“We’re going to have a lot of turnover and a lot craziness going on in the CFD from the top, where people are being cut and moved, and everything’s going to get shaken up next season.”

Newman’s comments don’t bode well for many characters. Everyone is on the chopping block. “You never know [who might get fired]. There will be hellos, and there will be goodbyes. I’ll say that. That’s for sure,” Newman said. “Next season is going to be about how the s**t really hits the fan once that mandate comes down and how things get shaken up and how our team can hold together as a family while all this craziness is happening around them,” she previously told TV Insider.

Who Might Be Leaving ‘Chicago Fire’ in Season 14?

Although no one is safe in this shakeup, some characters are a disadvantage and those are usually the first to go. Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Carver (Jake Lockett) will have reduced roles in the upcoming season, which could lead to their departures. Meanwhile, Mouch (Christian Stolte) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg) are no longer as young as they used to be, and soon they may be facing mandatory retirement from the CFD. Even the department’s top brass might not be safe. Due to Herrmann’s decision to stop pursuing the chief position, Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) “will stay as battalion chief until the CFD axe starts lurking above his head. Who knows if that will happen,” the showrunner said, teasing some bad news for him too. Who will survive this upcoming bloodbath? How will numerous departures and arrivals affect the tight-knit firehouse?