Before each season, actors go through a brutal firefighter boot camp hosted by the Chicago Fire Department. Full gear. Real fires. 12-hour drills. And no stunt doubles during training.
In a recent interview, cast member David Eigenberg revealed he once passed out from heat exhaustion during a stairwell scene. “That smoke is real. The fear is real,” he said.
Miranda Rae Mayo admitted she still gets anxiety before big rescue scenes, despite years on the show. “The harness digs into your ribs, the flames are hot—it’s not make-believe.”
Even guest stars have to pass the basic safety course. Several have backed out after day one.
But the cast insists it makes the show better. “When the sweat’s real, the stakes feel real,” said Joe Minoso.
The only thing more intense than the fire? The lengths this cast goes to make you believe it.
