The high-stakes drama of Edgewater, California, and the Cal Fire crew continues to captivate audiences, but the cast roster for the upcoming season is set to look dramatically different. As of late 2024, the hit CBS series Fire Country is gearing up for its highly anticipated fourth season, yet the narrative surrounding the cast has taken a shocking turn, with two original and crucial stars confirming their departure. This deep dive provides the most up-to-date look at the main actors, their characters, and the career-defining roles that brought them to the front lines of one of television’s most intense action dramas.
The success of Fire Country is rooted in its compelling ensemble, a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars who portray the complex relationships and dangerous world of inmate firefighters and the Cal Fire professionals who supervise them. From the troubled but heroic Bode Donovan to the Leone family matriarch, Sharon, here is the definitive guide to the cast members who define the series, and the major exits that are reshaping the future of the show.
Meet the Core Crew: Full Biography and Character Profiles
The heart of Fire Country beats through the Leone family and the dedicated members of Station 42. Here is a detailed look at the actors who bring these essential characters to life, providing the topical authority needed to truly appreciate the depth of the show’s talent.
Max Thieriot as Bode Donovan / Bode Leone
- Character: Bode Donovan is the young convict seeking redemption by joining the inmate firefighter program (Three Rock Con Camp). His return to his hometown of Edgewater and his strained relationship with his family form the central conflict of the series.
- Biography & Filmography: Born in Los Altos Hills, California, Max Thieriot (born October 14, 1988) is not only the lead actor but also a co-creator and executive producer of Fire Country. His experience growing up in Northern California, where he witnessed the work of real firefighters, inspired the show. Before tackling wildfires, Thieriot was well-known for his long-running main roles as Clay Spenser in the military drama SEAL Team and as Dylan Massett in the psychological thriller series Bates Motel. His early film career includes roles in Catch That Kid (2004), Nancy Drew (2007), and Jumper (2008).
Kevin Alejandro as Manuel "Manny" Perez
- Character: Manny Perez is the captain of the Three Rock Con Camp and a father figure to Bode. He is a Cal Fire veteran with his own complicated past and a deep commitment to the inmate program.
- Biography & Filmography: Kevin Alejandro (born April 7, 1976) is a Texas-born actor and director who has become a staple on television. Fans instantly recognize him from his major roles as Detective Dan Espinoza in the hit series Lucifer and as Jesus Velasquez in True Blood. He also starred as Nate Moretta in the police drama Southland and as Sheriff Tommy Moran in The Returned. Alejandro’s extensive background in various genres adds significant weight to his portrayal of the conflicted but loyal Manny.
Diane Farr as Sharon Leone
- Character: Sharon Leone is the Battalion Chief for Cal Fire and Bode’s mother. She is a powerful, respected leader struggling to balance her professional duties with the personal turmoil of her son’s return and her own health issues.
- Biography & Filmography: Diane Farr (born September 7, 1969) is a veteran actress, producer, and author. She is perhaps best known for her role as FBI agent Megan Reeves on the procedural drama Numb3rs. Her other notable television credits include playing Jill in the series Californication, as well as roles in Rescue Me and The Job. Her ability to play strong, complex female characters makes her the perfect anchor for the Leone family.
Jordan Calloway as Jake Crawford
- Character: Jake Crawford is a Cal Fire firefighter at Station 42 and Bode’s childhood friend and rival. He was also dating Bode’s sister, Riley, before her death, which adds immense tension to his relationship with the Leone family.
- Biography & Filmography: Jordan Calloway (born October 18, 1990) is an American actor known to younger audiences for his role as Zach Carter-Schwartz on the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous. He gained significant recognition for playing Khalil Payne / Painkiller in The CW’s superhero drama Black Lightning, a role he reprised in his own spin-off pilot. His work in films like Countdown (2019) further showcases his versatility.
Jules Latimer as Eve Edwards
- Character: Eve Edwards is a dedicated and tough Cal Fire firefighter at Station 42 and a close friend to the Leone family. She is a pillar of strength, often navigating the emotional complexities of her crew.
- Biography & Filmography: Jules Latimer is a rising star who made her series debut in the Paramount+ show Guilty Party opposite Kate Beckinsale. She also appeared in the critically acclaimed film Rustin (2023). Her role as Eve Edwards in Fire Country is her most prominent to date, quickly establishing her as a fan favorite for her grounded and powerful performance.
The Shocking Season 4 Exits: Why Two Major Stars Are Leaving
The biggest and most recent news concerning the Fire Country cast is the confirmation of two major character departures ahead of Season 4. This update, which has sent shockwaves through the fan community, fundamentally changes the dynamic of the Leone family and the future of Station 42.
Billy Burke (Vince Leone) and Stephanie Arcila (Gabriela Perez) Are Out
In a move described by showrunners as a "creative decision," original cast members Billy Burke (Vince Leone) and Stephanie Arcila (Gabriela Perez) will not be returning as series regulars for Season 4.
- Billy Burke as Vince Leone: Vince is Bode’s father and a Cal Fire Battalion Chief. He is the long-standing patriarch of the Leone family, whose history with Sharon and Bode is central to the show’s emotional core. Reports suggested that the character Vince Leone may have been killed in a fire, a development that would be a devastating blow to the Edgewater community.
- Stephanie Arcila as Gabriela Perez: Gabriela is a former Olympic diver and Manny Perez’s daughter who joins Cal Fire. Her complex romantic relationship with Bode Donovan has been a major fan focus since the series began. Her departure means the end of one of the show’s most compelling love stories.
While the official reason cited by the creative team was to serve the story best, there was speculation that the exits were related to a disagreement over reducing the number of episodes for the actors in the upcoming season. Regardless of the internal reasons, the loss of both the Leone family patriarch and Bode’s primary love interest marks a massive shift for the series narrative and the remaining cast members. The absence of these two crucial figures will force the returning characters, especially Bode and Sharon, to navigate new emotional and professional challenges.
The Future of Cal Fire and the Remaining Cast
Despite the significant cast shake-ups, the main narrative threads involving the remaining core cast are expected to intensify in Season 4. The show’s grounding in the real-life California Conservation Camp Program, which utilizes inmate labor for wildfire suppression, ensures the action and drama will continue. The following LSI keywords and storylines are expected to drive the next phase of the series:
The Dynamic Between Bode and Sharon Leone
With Vince Leone gone, the mother-son dynamic between Sharon and Bode will likely take center stage. Sharon’s role as Battalion Chief, coupled with her personal grief, will challenge her leadership. Bode, already prone to self-sabotage, will need to find new ways to cope with loss without his father and Gabriela. This storyline will explore themes of family legacy, grief, and the pressures of the Cal Fire command structure.
Jake and Eve’s Leadership Roles
The departures leave a void in the leadership and emotional support structure at Station 42. Jordan Calloway’s Jake Crawford and Jules Latimer’s Eve Edwards are expected to step up, both professionally and personally. Eve, in particular, has been a model of strength and dedication, and her character is poised to take on greater responsibility within the firehouse. Fans are eager to see how these characters handle the increased pressure and the emotional fallout from the exits, cementing their status as indispensable members of the Cal Fire team.
The Manny Perez Redemption Arc
Kevin Alejandro’s Manny Perez has always been a character walking the tightrope of redemption. His role as the captain of Three Rock and a father to Gabriela connects him deeply to both sides of the show’s world. With Gabriela’s exit, Manny’s focus may shift entirely to his professional duties and his continued mentorship of the inmate firefighters, providing a renewed focus on the core mission of the correctional fire program.
The Fire Country cast, even with its recent changes, remains a powerhouse ensemble. The unexpected exits of Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila are a bold creative risk, promising a Season 4 that is dramatically different and potentially more intense than anything fans have seen before. The returning stars—Max Thieriot, Kevin Alejandro, Diane Farr, Jordan Calloway, and Jules Latimer—are poised to deliver the high-stakes action and emotional depth that has made the CBS drama a runaway hit.
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