Amidst its heart-pounding rescues and fiery explosions, Chicago Fire has captivated audiences with its portrayal of first responders in the Windy City. But how much of the drama reflects the realities of firefighting? Is Firehouse 51 inspired by a real-life station, and are any storylines drawn from true events? Let’s break down the balance of fact and fiction in NBC’s beloved series.
Is Chicago Fire Based on Real Events?
In short: no.
While Chicago Fire doesn’t adapt real rescue missions, the show is deeply rooted in homage to the heroism of Chicago’s firefighters. Series creator Dick Wolf, known for incorporating real-world inspirations into Law & Order, takes a different approach here, prioritizing the daily lives and relationships of first responders over headline-inspired plots.
According to Dushone Roman, a firefighter featured on Wolf’s nonfiction series L.A. Fire & Rescue, Chicago Fire nails the camaraderie between firehouse crew members. “I love the back-and-forth banter. That’s exactly what we do,” Roman told TV Insider. However, he added that some medical scenes, like oxygen masks being incorrectly placed, occasionally veer into Hollywood territory.
The Real-Life Firefighter Behind the Scenes
Chicago Fire doesn’t just portray firefighters—it also employs them. Real-life Chicago firefighter Anthony Ferraris has been part of the show since Season 3. Initially cast as an extra, Ferraris became a full-fledged cast member after the production team realized no actor could authentically drive the fire squad vehicle.
“[Retired Chicago Fire Department Deputy District Chief] Steve Chikerotis, the show’s technical advisor, asked if I’d drive. I said sure, and that’s how it started,” Ferraris explained in a 2020 interview with Wolf Entertainment. Since then, Ferraris has shared his real-life experiences to bring authenticity to the show.
“[The production team] asks me things like, ‘How would you force this door open?’” Ferraris said. “Our job, fighting fires, is stranger than fiction.”
Firehouse 51: Fictional but Familiar
Though Firehouse 51 isn’t a real station, the bonds portrayed on the show reflect genuine firefighter relationships. “We have a very dangerous job, and we’re tight when that bell rings,” Ferraris said. “But at the firehouse, we bust on each other, we golf together, and we live as a second family. That dynamic translates on-screen.”
Adding to the realism, many exterior shots of Firehouse 51 are filmed at Chicago’s Engine 18 station on S. Blue Island Avenue, a functioning firehouse. Interior scenes, however, are recreated at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, designed to mirror the layout of Engine 18.
Balancing Thrills and Tribute
Chicago Fire walks a fine line between Hollywood drama and real-world tribute. While dramatic rescues and high-octane action take creative liberties, the show’s portrayal of workplace camaraderie and mutual trust remains authentic. Whether depicting daring leaps from buildings or heartfelt moments around the station’s kitchen table, the series captures the spirit of life as a firefighter.
At its heart, Chicago Fire is a celebration of the bravery and humanity of first responders. For over a decade, it has kept audiences glued to their screens while honoring the courage of those who face the flames every day.
