Dick Wolf, the mastermind behind numerous successful TV shows, has become an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. Known initially for his work on classics like Hill Street Blues and Miami Vice, Wolf made his biggest mark with the Law & Order franchise. This popular series spawned several successful spinoffs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
In 2012, Wolf expanded his storytelling to the world of firefighting with Chicago Fire. The series, set at the fictional Firehouse 51, explores the professional and personal lives of Chicago’s firefighters. The success of Chicago Fire paved the way for two additional spinoffs: Chicago PD, centered on law enforcement, and Chicago Med, focusing on a hospital. One key element that sets Chicago Fire apart is its commitment to authenticity, especially when it comes to filming locations — including one surprising spot that many fans might not expect.
A Real Firehouse as a Filming Location
While many TV shows use sound stages or constructed sets, Chicago Fire opts for a more authentic approach by filming part of the series at a real-life fire station. The show’s main setting, Firehouse 51, is actually the Chicago Fire Department’s Engine 18, located on the west side of the city. According to Steve Chikerotis, a consultant for the show and a former Deputy District Chief of the Chicago Fire Department, the production team films at Engine 18 over 20 times a year. The firehouse has since become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who want to catch a glimpse of the iconic location.
The Fire Station’s Influence on the Show
Filming at a real fire station has shaped how Chicago Fire is written and produced. The production team initially wanted to include a sliding fire pole, a classic feature in many TV and movie fire stations. However, Engine 18 is a one-story building, making a fire pole unnecessary. To accommodate this feature, the writers made Firehouse 51 two stories high in the series pilot. Eventually, they decided to match the real-life setup of Engine 18 and opted for a single-story firehouse for the rest of the series.
Authenticity That Keeps Fans Engaged
By filming at a real fire station, Chicago Fire has been able to maintain a sense of realism that resonates with viewers. The decision to use a genuine Chicago firehouse as the backdrop not only adds authenticity but also allows fans to feel more connected to the city and its firefighters. This commitment to realism is a key factor in the show’s long-running success and its strong fan following.
