As Chicago Fire enters its 14th season, there are some fresh sparks flying—particularly between Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) and the new firefighter, Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente). With the exit of Michael Bradway’s character, Damon, and the departures of regulars Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver), the addition of Vasquez is expected to shake things up at Firehouse 51.

New Faces and Fresh Beginnings

Brandon Larracuente, known for his role in On Call, joins the cast as Sal Vasquez, a charming new firefighter with deep ties to the first responder world. According to showrunner Andrea Newman, Vasquez has a rich family history, and he’s ready to make his mark in the firehouse. His introduction will be particularly significant for Novak, who previously had a short fling with Damon but has yet to settle into a long-term relationship.

A Challenging New Romance

Novak’s love life has been more about fun than commitment so far. Her brief romance with Damon was just that—brief—and she hasn’t shown much interest in getting serious. However, that’s set to change with the arrival of Vasquez. As Newman teases, Novak will see him as a challenge, trying to “get to know this seemingly unknowable guy,” which sparks the potential for a new romance. Fans will be watching closely to see if Novak and Vasquez’s chemistry can ignite into something serious.

Could Novak and Vasquez Be the New ‘Brettsey’ or ‘Stellaride’?

Chicago Fire fans are still longing for the next epic couple after Matt Casey and Sylvie Brett’s heartfelt romance and the slow-burn relationship of Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd. While Violet Mikami and Sam Carver showed promise, Carver’s departure in season 14 leaves room for a new pairing. If Novak and Vasquez manage to capture the audience’s attention, they could easily take the mantle as Firehouse 51’s next big romance. However, just like the previous couples, their relationship will likely come with its own set of challenges before they find their happy ending.

With Chicago Fire known for developing its romances slowly and intricately, Novak and Vasquez may just be the next slow-burn couple fans have been waiting for. The series’ signature sparks are likely to fly between them as season 14 unfolds, and only time will tell if their connection will turn into something lasting. Stay tuned for all the drama, romance, and unexpected twists that Firehouse 51 has to offer!