Stephanie Arcila of Fire Country Discusses Billy Burke’s Surprising Departure
Stephanie Arcila isn’t the only cast member departing Fire Country ahead of its fourth season; Billy Burke is also leaving.
The season 3 finale, which aired on Friday, April 25, didn’t indicate any major character deaths or exits. However, shortly after the episode aired, it was reported that Arcila, 35, was demoted, and her co-star Burke will not be returning as Vince.
Arcila, who has portrayed Gabriela since the series’ inception, shared her thoughts exclusively with Us Weekly regarding the fan reactions to her and Burke’s departures. “We watch these shows and grow with them. We form these attachments and look forward to them. It’s quite shocking,” she reflected.
She acknowledged that shows like Fire Country occasionally depend on the “shocking aspects” to keep the stories engaging, adding, “I have received so many messages. People have such affection for Gabriela — something I didn’t fully grasp. When we’re working nine months out of the year, we can be somewhat insulated from that.”
She went on to say, “When we return, we try to replenish ourselves because we invest so much into these characters. The fans’ immense reaction and their feelings of loss — it’s like a warm hug. It truly warms my heart.”
Fire Country, which launched in 2022, follows inmate Bode (Max Thieriot) as he attempts to reduce his prison sentence through the California Conservation Camp Program. After being sent back to his hometown, he reestablishes bonds with family and friends while working towards redemption.
Both Gabriela and Vince have been crucial figures on the series, but Deadline has reported that budget constraints likely led to Arcila’s departure. However, there’s potential for her to return as a guest star.
Even Arcila expressed she was in “complete shock” regarding her exit. “I never saw it coming. Yet, understanding the nature of this industry, I have embraced the rhythm of acceptance and release in my journey, knowing that when one door closes, another always opens,” Arcila shared with Us. “We have this beautiful, ever-turning door of desires in life. I believe resisting that sometimes hinders us from pursuing other passions.”
Arcila is keen to see what happens next for Gabriela’s character.
“Upon being informed that Gabriela wouldn’t continue as a main character, I accepted it. I thought, ‘I’ll place Gabriela in this lovely little drawer of fulfilled dreams and let the universe handle the rest,’” she said. “I hold respect for every aspect of our industry, and we’re all skilled storytellers. The process is collaborative. I have no clue where Gabriela’s path might lead from here, but you never know about a potential return.”
As for Burke, fans speculate that Vince may not survive the explosion at the end of season 3. However, the show’s executive producers have refrained from confirming any character’s fate.
“We’re not going to disclose who we’re losing,” showrunner Tia Napolitano stated to Deadline last month. “There will certainly be a heartbreaking loss for everyone remaining in our family. During the filming of the finale, none of the actors were aware.”
Fire Country is now available for streaming on Paramount+.
