Fans started worrying about Sal Vasquez leaving Chicago Fire after noticing his sudden absence. With Brandon Larracuente leaving the show, rumors around Chicago Fire spread quickly. Viewers now want answers about what really happened.
Is Brandon Larracuente’s Sal Vasquez leaving Chicago Fire?
No, Brandon Larracuente is not leaving Chicago Fire.
His character, Sal Vasquez, was absent on February 4, 2026. The absence was due to a storyline reason. In Season 14 Episode 12, titled “Coming in Hot,” Chief Dom Pascal explained that City Hall changes forced the CFD to temporarily move firefighters to other stations (via NBC).
As part of that shift, Sal received a short-term assignment away from Firehouse 51. That move kept him off-screen for the episode. Later, the show reassured fans with a small update. Sal Vasquez texted Violet Mikami to say he missed Firehouse 51 during his shift.
Violet smiled when she read the message. It clearly signaled that his absence was only temporary for this week. Meanwhile, Sal’s growing relationship with Violet continues to draw attention from their first meeting, the two shared clear chemistry.
However, things got complicated when she learned her best friend Lizzy Novak also liked Sal Vasquez. While Violet tried to step back, her feelings didn’t fade, even after she realized Novak had started seeing someone else in fling.
Violet and Sal finally gave in to their attraction. The two left Molly’s together and shared a kiss, and Violet later confirmed they spent the night together. When Novak admitted she still had a crush on Sal. Violet panicked and decided not to tell her what happened.
With Sal expected to return soon, fans can expect plenty of tension. There is also likely to be an emotional fallout. This confirms that Sal Vasquez is not leaving Chicago Fire. His absence was part of a temporary storyline.
With his romance heating up and his return looming, Sal’s next appearance would be exciting. Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays on NBC at 9/8c and streams the next day on Peacock.
