‘Fire Country’ Star Sends Strong Message to Fans ‘Angry’ Over Vince’s Death

Sharon and Vince on Fire Country
Sharon and Vince on Fire CountrySergei Bachlakov/CBS via Getty Images

Key Points

  • Diane Farr addresses fan backlash over Vince’s death on Fire Country Season 4.
  • Farr emphasizes portraying real loss honors both firefighters and the character’s impact.
  • She confirms Billy Burke is healthy and future episodes will continue honoring Vince.

Fire Country star Diane Farr (who plays Sharon) has some words for fans who aren’t happy that Vince (Billy Burke) was killed off the show.

Season 4 of the CBS drama kicked off on Oct. 17 with Station 42 losing one of its own. Sharon and Walter (Jeff Fahey) made it out of the memory care facility, but Vince lost his life in the massive fire.

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As Parade reported, Fire Country fans were initially outraged when the Season 4 trailer revealed Vince’s death, and that anger hasn’t died down as the new season kicked off.

Farr took to social media to speak out on the backlash over the show’s bold decision. Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a carousel of photos, including messages she got from fans watching the Season 4 premiere, in addition to photos of herself with Burke, as well as Max Thieriot (Bode), all in character.

“I know some of y’all are angry. I see those notes also. And I FEEL you. But let me ask an honest question. If we only show the risk in this vocation, week after week, without at least attempting to portray the profound loss that comes to both a firehouse and a family when a key player – when one of their own – falls … wouldn’t we be skipping the deepest part of portraying firefighters?” she asked at the beginning of her lengthy caption.

Farr went on to add, “42’s chief is not going away easily or silently. Our writers have much to share on this. That honors the impact this character and this actor has made.”

The final photo in her Instagram post held special meaning for the actress, as she shared that it was taken at her uncle’s funeral. Although he was a firefighter, he didn’t die in the line of duty, but she still allowed Fire Country to use the photo, as it powerfully reflects how deeply a firefighter’s loss affects a community.

Farr also addressed losing her on-screen love interest while giving a little tease for fans to look forward to. “Big feelings for the exit of Billy and Vince are a testament to his beautiful work. We have filmed half of Season4 @firecountrycbs so far and we are honoring it all year long. 🧡🚒,” she expressed.

The words carried weight with many fans, who jumped into the comment section to show support for the actress and the series.

Related: ‘Fire Country’s Max Thieriot Teases Bode’s ‘Grief’ Journey After Vince’s Death

“You are fantastic. I felt your pain even though I said I wasn’t going to watch it anymore without your hubby👏👏👏👏👏👏,” wrote a fan. Another one shared, “Your performance in last night’s episode was absolutely amazing! What a huge loss to the show, but you knocked it out of the park ❤️👏🏻.”

When a fan suggested that Burke left because he was sick, Farr shut that narrative down immediately, writing, “Not sure if you’re kidding, so just in case he is not sick. At all. In anyway. He’s doing his art and life well.”

There’s no question that Fire Country Season 4 will look different following the major character death. Not only did Vince die in the first hour, but Gabriela (Stephanie Arcila) left Edgewater, and a new character was thrown into the mix.