Why Did Stephanie Arcila Leave ‘Fire Country’? Here's the Truth Behind Her Season 4 Exit

As Fire Country continues to air every Friday night on CBS, it's hard not to notice a fan-favorite character missing.

For those who tuned into the season 4 premiere earlier in October, they may remember seeing Gabriela Perez (played by

Stephanie Arcila) leave Edgewater in the aftermath of the fire that killed Vince Leone (portrayed by Billy Burke). She also offered to help recruit potential first responders for Cal Fire around the U.S., as she's trying to figure her feelings out for Bode Leone (

Max Thieriot). And even though she has emotional ties to Edgewater and everyone she'd leave behind (like her dad Manny, played by Kevin Alejandro), it was clear she needed to do this for herself and take the risk.

Given how Gabriela's influence on the CBS drama has drawn viewers in over the course of the show, it does leave us wondering why Stephanie Arcila left Fire Country.

As it turns out, the show's higher-ups alluded to Stephanie's exit earlier in the year.

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When executive producer/co-creator

Joan Phelan and showrunner Tia Napolitano spoke to Deadline about Gabriela after the season 3 finale, they explained how they hoped to take Fire Country in a different direction for season 4.

"It really just comes down to what’s best creatively," Joan explained in April 2025.

"There’s danger in this sort of job, so we wanted to honor that and really up the stakes," Tia added in the same interview. "You want the opportunity for that door to open, for someone to walk out of it, or for someone to walk into it. We’re really leaning into that aspect of the show as well as honoring the authenticity."

Fire Country has proven that point well, with Bode questioning his future and his mom Sharon Leone (Diane Farr) trying to grieve the loss of her husband. But what does this mean for Stephanie and the potential to see her back on the show?

While it's unclear if Gabriela will ever return to Edgewater, Stephanie did note there's always a chance for the paramedic to make an appearance.

"I never say never," she stated in a separate

Deadline interview in April 2025. "Life takes us through so many avenues, and Gabriela is such a gift to me in my career, personally and professionally ... As for the future, I’ve learned that these writers always surprise me, and I have no expectations, just excitement."

Well, keeping this in mind, we definitely would love to see Gabriela—and subsequently, Stephanie—back our on TV screens. And who knows? We're keeping our fingers crossed for Gabriela to find her romantic happily ever after with Bode in the future.

EXCLUSIVE: Actors Bella Ramsey and Daisy Haggard shoot scenes for Channel 4 thriller at Carse of Gowrie cafe

Game of Thrones star Ramsey and Bafta nominee Haggard have been filming at the Horseshoe Cafe, near Inchture.

Bella Ramsey (right) and Daisy Haggard in between takes for Maya, which is being filmed near Inchture. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Game of Thrones star Bella Ramsey and Bafta nominee Daisy Haggard have been spotted in the Carse of Gowrie for the filming of a new Channel 4 drama.

Scenes are being shot at the Horseshoe Cafe, near Inchture, for six-part thriller Maya.

Haggard, who received a Bafta nomination in 2021 for best comedy actress, has written the show and also stars in it.

The thriller will follow the story of a mum and daughter forced to leave London and go into witness protection to escape a “dangerous threat”.

Ramsey, a Golden Globe nominee for her role as Ellie in The Last of Us, plays the title character.

Tobias Menzies, who played Prince Philip in The Crown, will also appear in the show.

Filming at the Horseshoe Cafe took place on Tuesday night. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Crew members prepare for the scene. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Haggard has written the show and plays the title character’s mum. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

The cafe has been closed for more than a week. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Make-up is applied to Haggard before a take. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

On Tuesday evening, both Haggard and Ramsey were seen preparing for scenes on a grassy verge beside the cafe.

Haggard, who has appeared in Peep Show and Black Mirror, was also seen having make-up applied next to the building.

Scenes are set to be filmed both outside and inside the cafe.

The Horseshoe Cafe has been closed for more than a week as the production takes over.

The show focuses on a mum and daughter who are forced into witness protection. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Production trucks can be seen across the grounds. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Haggard was nominated for a Bafta in 2021. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

The cafe will remain closed until Friday. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Maya, written by Haggard (pictured), is expected to be broadcast in 2026. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Closures have been implemented on a 700-yard stretch of the B953 to the north of Inchture when filming takes place.

The affected section is between the roundabout near the A90 eastbound on-ramp and the Baledgarno turn-off.

The cafe will remain closed until Friday as filming continues.

Maya is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

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