For over a decade, Chicago Fire has been the fiery heart of NBC’s acclaimed One Chicago franchise, a show that masterfully balances pulse-pounding action with the deep emotional bonds of its characters. Viewers have been drawn into the lives of the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51, a team that feels less like a crew and more like a family. But while the on-screen heroics are what keep us coming back, the true magic of the show happens behind the scenes. From the meticulous creation of roaring infernos to the real-life heroes who consult on set, the secrets behind the show’s authenticity are just as compelling as the drama itself.
The Real and the Recreated: A Tale of Two Firehouses
One of the most common questions fans have is whether Firehouse 51 is a real place. The answer is a fascinating blend of fact and fiction.
The exterior shots of the firehouse, including the iconic garage doors and the classic brick facade, are filmed at an actual, functioning firehouse: Chicago Fire Department Engine 18, located at 1360 S. Blue Island Avenue. This working station is the show’s home base for all exterior scenes and for the shots of the fire trucks leaving for a call. The show’s production team has a strong relationship with the firefighters of Engine 18, who graciously allow the cast and crew to film there a few days each month. They even have to move their own fire trucks aside to make way for the show’s replicas in case a real emergency call comes in.
However, the warm, lived-in interiors of Firehouse 51—the kitchen, the bunk room, and the common areas—are all meticulously recreated on a soundstage at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. This is where the actors spend most of their time. The set is a faithful recreation of the real Firehouse 18’s design, but with a few key modifications for filming. For instance, the bunk beds have lower dividers and some walls are designed to be moved to allow for better camera angles and lighting. The attention to detail is so precise that you can hardly tell the difference between the real firehouse and its studio counterpart.
The Art of the Inferno: How They Film the Fire
The realistic fire scenes are arguably the most impressive part of Chicago Fire. The show’s production team goes to incredible lengths to make the danger look authentic while keeping the cast and crew safe.
- The “Burn Stage”: The most dangerous scenes—those involving interior fires—are never filmed inside a real building. Instead, they are shot on a controlled set known as the “Burn Stage,” housed in a warehouse at Cinespace. This is where the show’s special effects team, led by a fire coordinator, takes over. The entire set is constructed using non-flammable materials like metal, and any paint is stripped to prevent dangerous chemical vapors.
- Propane and Precision: The flames you see on screen are primarily controlled by propane fire effects. The special effects team carefully rigs propane pipes along the set, and the level of each flame is meticulously controlled. They even account for variables like air circulation and oxygen levels to ensure that the flames look realistic without becoming an unpredictable hazard. It takes hours to set up just one shot, with every pipe, hose, and connection checked for leaks.
- Real Smoke, Real Heat: While the flames are controlled, the heat is very real. The actors and crew work in sweltering conditions, and giant air conditioning units are used to cool the set between takes. For the “smoke,” the production uses standard glycol-based fog machines, which create a thick, eerie atmosphere without the toxic danger of real smoke.
The Real Heroes: Training and Authenticity
The show’s commitment to authenticity goes beyond the sets and special effects. The actors themselves undergo rigorous training and work with real firefighters to ensure their performances are accurate and respectful of the profession.
- Firefighter Boot Camp: Before filming the pilot, the cast attended a firefighter “boot camp” to learn the fundamentals of the job. They learned how to handle hoses, use axes, and wear the heavy protective gear. This training gave them a physical and emotional understanding of the profession, which they carry into every scene.
- On-Set Consultants: Chicago Fire has a team of technical advisors from the Chicago Fire Department who are on set at all times. They guide the actors on everything from how to properly carry a victim to the correct way to wear their gear. The show’s commitment to realism is so strong that one of the recurring characters, Tony, played by Anthony Ferraris, is a real-life Chicago firefighter who helps to ensure the show’s accuracy.
The One Chicago Crossover: A logistical Masterpiece
Another behind-the-scenes secret is the monumental effort required to produce the One Chicago crossovers. The franchise’s shared universe, with characters from Fire, P.D., and Med regularly appearing on each other’s shows, is a logistical and creative challenge.
- A “Three-Hour Action Movie”: The show’s executive producer, Dick Wolf, has described the crossovers as a “three-hour action movie.” To make them happen, the writers, casts, and crews of all three shows must be in constant communication. The scripts are written to flow seamlessly from one show to the next, and the cast members from each show have to be available to film on multiple sets.
- The Production Challenge: It’s a carefully choreographed dance. For a single scene, a camera crew from Chicago Fire might be filming in the morning, while a camera crew from Chicago P.D. takes over in the afternoon. The actors must be ready to switch from one character’s world to another, all while maintaining the emotional continuity of the storyline. It’s a testament to the dedication of the entire production team that these ambitious crossovers come together so flawlessly.
The success of Chicago Fire lies not just in its compelling stories but in the incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make it all feel so real. The show’s commitment to authenticity, from the painstaking creation of fire scenes to the close collaboration with real-life heroes, is what elevates it from a procedural drama to a true television phenomenon. It’s a testament to the fact that when a show respects its subject matter, the audience will follow it into the fire.
