One of the reasons Chicago Fire remains one of NBC’s most enduring dramas is its commitment to authenticity. Whether it’s a multi-story blaze, a high-rise rescue, or a hazardous materials incident, the show’s stunts often look and feel like the real deal — because, in many cases, they are.
Special effects coordinator John Milinac, who has worked on the series since its inception, says the goal is always to make the audience forget they’re watching fiction. “We use live fire, real smoke, and trained stunt performers in almost every big sequence,” he explains. “The actors themselves go through intensive fire academy training before filming.”
Taylor Kinney, Miranda Rae Mayo, and David Eigenberg have all spoken about the physical demands of shooting these scenes. Kinney has admitted to singed eyebrows and bruises, while Eigenberg says the weight of the gear alone can be exhausting. “When you’re carrying 70 pounds of equipment in 90-degree heat with fire all around you, it’s intense,” he says.
That realism pays off in audience engagement. Fans don’t just watch Chicago Fire for the drama — they tune in for the adrenaline rush, knowing that what they see on screen is as close to real firefighting as network TV gets.
