Meet Tye White's character, Cole, in Fire Country

There’s a new convict/firefighter on Fire Country this season, so find out all about Cole and his impact on the CBS hit!

Since premiering in 2022, Fire Country has swiftly become one of CBS’s biggest hit series. It centers around the real-life California Conservation Camp Program, where non-violent prisoners are given a chance to work off their sentences by aiding the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in combating the numerous forest fires hitting the state. 

The show is set in the fictional town of Edgewater, the hometown of convict Bode Leone (Max Thieriot), whose parents Vince (Billy Burke) and Sharon (Diane Farr) are leaders in Cal Fire. Bode helps with incidents as part of his duties at Three Rock Fire Camp while also handling the problems of his past. 

Season 1 ended with Bode taking the fall for a crime he didn’t commit to help his buddy Freddy get out of jail. Season 2 has Bode clearing his name enough to rejoin the team at Edgewater. He’s joined by his cellmate, Cole, who is an intriguing figure for the new season. 

What’s Cole’s story on Fire Country?

Introduced in the season 2 premiere, Cole was a former MMA fighter who’s also a husband and father. He watched Bode’s back in jail and when he rejoined the Three Rock team, Cole went along in hopes of finding some redemption. 

The two have been put in some dangerous situations together while Cole has clashed with new captain Eve, whose leadership style is different from what Bode told his friend. Despite that, the pair have become friends, bonding over their kids and the drama of the camp.

However, episode 4 threw a wrench into things as it was revealed Cole was in jail for killing a man. Eve broke it to him that word had reached the man’s family who were protesting Cole taking part in the program, hinting he might be going back to jail.

With the show not returning until April, we have to wait a bit to see if Cole sticks around or if Bode is in for another change to his life. 

Who plays Cole?

Playing the role of Cole is Tye White, who just starred in the underrated NBC sitcom American Auto. He also featured in the drama Greenleaf as well as The People Vs OJ Simpson.

As it happens, this isn’t White’s first try at a firefighting show as he had a brief three-episode stint on season 7 of Chicago Fire. It’s uncertain if Cole will stick around as the part was listed as recurring so it’s possible he wasn’t meant to stay around long. The fact season 2 has only 10 episodes due to the Hollywood strikes complicates things.

Episode 5 does put Cole in the middle of an incident involving a gunman. That hints at bigger storylines, which could involve him trying to redeem himself to the man's family. It'd also be good to see Cole's own wife and kids and how he gets along with them.

So, it’s hopeful that Cole can stick around a bit longer to fire up Fire Country season 2 and add another good face to the show.

Fire Country season 2 airs Fridays at 9/8c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.