Behind the Flames: The True Stories Behind Chicago Fire’s Iconic Locations

For 12 thrilling seasons, Chicago Fire has kept audiences on the edge of their seats with daring rescues and emotional moments, all set against the striking backdrop of the Windy City. But have you ever wondered how the show brings the drama to life? NBC Insider recently spoke with co-executive producer Demetra Diamantopoulos to uncover the secrets behind the filming locations that make the series so authentic.

Where Is Firehouse 51 Filmed?

The heart of Chicago Fire—Firehouse 51—is brought to life by a mix of studio magic and real-life inspiration. Many of the interior scenes are filmed at Cinespace Film Studios, the production hub for all three One Chicago series. However, the exterior shots and some on-site scenes take place at a real Chicago Fire Department location: Engine 18.

“Engine 18 is our second home!” Diamantopoulos shared. “We film there at least three days a month. The members of the house treat us well, and we feel that they’re part of the Chicago Fire family. It’s no easy task for them to make room for us while still serving the community.”

Molly’s Pub: The Beloved Watering Hole

Molly’s Pub has become a fan-favorite location, but its journey from reality to television is an interesting one. Initially, it was filmed at Lottie’s Pub, a cozy bar in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood.

“They were chosen for their quintessential Chicago look, inside and out,” Diamantopoulos explained.

As the show’s popularity grew, so did interest in Lottie’s, prompting the production team to recreate Molly’s on a soundstage at Cinespace. While most interior scenes are now shot on the set, the show occasionally returns to Lottie’s for exterior shots, such as Casey and Brett’s emotional send-off in Season 12, Episode 6.

Choosing Chicago Neighborhoods for Rescues

With over 100 unique neighborhoods, Chicago serves as a dynamic canvas for Chicago Fire. The production team carefully selects filming locations based on the storylines and the socioeconomic backgrounds of the characters involved.

“For blue-collar or middle-class families, we might film in Pilsen or Bridgeport, which are close to Cinespace,” Diamantopoulos noted. “If the story involves affluent characters, we might head to Lincoln Park or The Gold Coast.”

Logistics also play a key role. “We consider if the neighborhood is amenable to street closures or if it fits into a packed filming schedule,” she added. On a typical 12-hour filming day, the crew works to minimize travel time by grouping locations together.

Iconic Chicago Landmarks Featured on the Show

Chicago Fire has showcased many of the city’s iconic landmarks, from Navy Pier to Millennium Park and the famous Bean. One standout location is North Avenue Beach, which offers a stunning view of the Chicago skyline.

“There are so many places we love to film, and even after 12 seasons, we’re still finding new ones,” Diamantopoulos said. “North Avenue Beach is a favorite, especially in the summer, but we’ve shot there in winter conditions too.”

A Wedding with a Unique Twist

One of the most talked-about moments of Season 12 was Matthew Casey and Sylvie Brett’s unconventional wedding venue. After a mix-up at Shedd Aquarium, the couple tied the knot at a local fish store called Tank It Easy.

“The aquarium store was such a great find,” Diamantopoulos revealed. “Its unique layout made it challenging to work with, but our production team did an amazing job dressing it up for the wedding.”

Chicago: The Show’s Unsung Hero

From the gritty streets of Pilsen to the glitz of The Gold Coast, Chicago isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. The city’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks lend authenticity and depth to the show, ensuring that Chicago Fire feels as real as the stories it tells.

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