Fire Country Winter Finale Ignites: Season 4 Episode 9 Sets Up Major Cliffhanger

Station 42 faces its most dangerous battle yet. The hit CBS drama Fire Country airs its explosive winter finale this Friday. Episode 9, titled “Who Owns the Dirt,” promises high-stakes firefighting and personal conflicts.The episode arrives just before a long midseason break. According to CBS, the show will pause for the Winter Olympics coverage. Fans will be left with a major cliffhanger until the series returns in late February 2026.

Release Details and How to Watch

Fire Country Season 4 Episode 9 airs on Friday, December 19, 2025. The broadcast starts at 9:00 PM Eastern Time on CBS. Viewers can also stream the episode live through the Paramount+ Premium subscription tier.The Paramount+ Essential plan offers the episode the next day. This scheduling is standard for CBS’s primetime lineup. The network confirmed the winter hiatus schedule to various entertainment outlets.

A Perfect Storm of Fire and Conflict

The episode’s plot centers on a severe red flag warning. Extreme weather conditions create a tinderbox environment across Northern California. The escalating wildfire threat demands seamless coordination between crews.However, a fierce turf war erupts instead. Station 42 and the Drake County fire department clash over jurisdiction. This dangerous dispute threatens the entire firefighting operation and puts lives at risk.Bode’s new arson investigation adds another layer of tension. His lead on the Zabel Ridge Fire could have massive repercussions. Meanwhile, Eve struggles to control her inexperienced Three Rock crew under immense pressure.

Building Toward a Breaking Point

The previous episode, “Fresh Start,” laid the emotional groundwork. Bode achieved a key professional milestone by completing his probie checklist. His bond with troubled student Tyler led to a critical arson confession.Eve faced significant leadership challenges with her new team. Manny’s tough-love approach pushed her to a breaking point. These simmering storylines are set to boil over in the finale.Industry analysts note winter finales are designed for maximum audience retention. The expected cliffhanger will likely involve a character in peril or a shocking revelation. This strategy keeps viewers engaged during the long break.

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Thought you’d like to know-

What time is the new Fire Country episode? It airs at 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT on CBS this Friday. Check your local listings for any regional variations.

Where can I stream Episode 9 after it airs?

Paramount+ subscribers can stream it. Premium tier users can watch live with the CBS feed. Essential plan users get access to the episode the day after it broadcasts.

When will Fire Country return after this episode?

The show is taking a hiatus for the Winter Olympics. CBS has scheduled its return for late February 2026. An exact date will be announced closer to that time.

What is the main conflict in “Who Owns the Dirt”?

The conflict is two-fold. A dangerous wildfire expands under a red flag warning. Simultaneously, a jurisdictional battle between fire departments hampers the emergency response.

Will Bode’s arson investigation progress?

Yes. The lead from Tyler about the Zabel Ridge Fire is a central plotline. This investigation will create significant drama and danger for Bode and his team in the finale.

Is a main character in danger this episode?

Winter finales often feature high peril. Given the intense wildfire and interpersonal conflicts, the safety of multiple core characters will certainly be in question by the episode’s end.