Heading into Chicago Fire season 14, episode 4 we knew it was going to be a hard episode to watch for Herrmann fans. This was because the promo teased that a fire was going to break out at his home.

As the episode began, we see Herrmann at home with Cindy and the kids before they head out for the day. He’s logging the kids’ heights on

the wall as his daughter, Annabelle, enters the room and mentions not feeling well and staying home from school. Cindy, meanwhile, is excited to begin a new job and wants nothing more than to make a good first impression.

 

 

Shortly after Herrmann arrives for his shift, a call comes through about a fire at his address, and 51 quickly races into action despite not being called to respond to the fire. Herrmann races into the house trying to find Annabelle when she doesn’t answer the phone, and 51 works to clear the scene.

 

 

That’s when Cindy arrives and informs them that Annabelle went to school and wasn’t in the house. While no one is injured in the fire, Herrmann and his family lose everything in the fire.

 

 

Mouch is able to find an apartment for Herrmann and his family to stay in and helps them get settled into the place as they begin rebuilding their lives. As the kids take the place in, Cindy asks Herrmann if he’s heard any news about what caused the fire as she’s puzzled by what could have happened with no one home.

Herrmann calls in Severide for help in investigating the cause of the fire. When they meet at Molly’s, Severide mentions that the fire seems to have started in the kitchen, but they’re unclear what caused the fire to begin. That’s when Herrmann mentions he recently put in some new wiring and worries that he’s to blame for the fire.

As Cindy and Herrmann tackle the overwhelming list of tasks they need to complete, the kids begin to express disbelief in losing so many of their personal belongings. Cindy comforts the kids as best she can, but it’s clear Herrmann is struggling with the pain his family in and blaming himself

Severide begins looking into the fire as Isaiah arrives at the firehouse to get his key for the apartment. He’s intrigued by Severide’s investigation, and Severide begins to talk him through his investigation. Seeing the spark of excitement in Isaiah, Severide invites him to tag along on a fire investigation to see if they can get answers.