Dick Wolf, the mastermind behind some of television’s most iconic franchises, struck gold again with the One Chicago series. The franchise began with Chicago Fire, a show dedicated to the harrowing work of firefighters and first responders in the Windy City. Known for its realistic portrayals of high-stakes emergencies, the series has captivated fans since its debut in 2012.
But sometimes, that realism is a double-edged sword. In a now-infamous incident during Chicago Fire‘s first season, a scene depicting a plane crash was so convincing that it fooled a news station into believing it was a real disaster, leading to an awkward and unforgettable on-air mix-up.
A Plane Crash Too Real to Ignore
The incident occurred during the filming of the Season 1 episode “Under the Knife.” For the scene, the production staged a dramatic airplane crash on Chicago’s South Side. The setup was so authentic that WGN-TV News mistook it for an actual emergency.
The station’s helicopter captured footage of the staged crash, and anchors Robin Baumgarten and Larry Potash quickly began reporting on what they thought was a breaking news story. The situation escalated until, mid-broadcast, someone informed the station that the crash was part of Chicago Fire filming.
Universal, the studio behind Chicago Fire, later clarified that they had obtained the necessary permits and placed signage around the filming site to alert the community. The Chicago Film Office had also notified local residents about the production. However, the memo apparently didn’t reach every police and fire department—or the newsroom at WGN-TV.
A Mix-Up for the Books
While initially frustrated, the WGN anchors eventually found humor in the situation. Baumgarten and Potash shared a few laughs about the mix-up before cutting to a commercial. What started as an embarrassing moment for the station turned into a lighthearted anecdote and a memorable chapter in both Chicago Fire and local Chicago television history.
The incident underscored the authenticity of Chicago Fire’s production values. The series has always prided itself on its dedication to realism, with elaborate stunts and effects that mirror real-life emergencies. This commitment to detail has earned the show a loyal following, but the 2012 mix-up serves as a reminder of the fine line between art and reality.
A Legacy of Realism
Chicago Fire continues to deliver gripping and authentic storylines, blending intense emergencies with personal drama. The series has set the tone for the One Chicago universe, which now includes Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. Despite the occasional hiccup—like the staged plane crash incident—it remains a cornerstone of NBC’s primetime lineup.
The 2012 misunderstanding between the show’s production team and local news media was a rare moment where fiction bled into reality. While it caused momentary confusion, it also highlighted the series’ success in crafting lifelike scenarios that keep audiences coming back for more.
