Since its premiere in 2012, Chicago Fire has captivated audiences with its gripping storylines and emotional depth. As the first installment in the One Chicago franchise, the NBC drama has introduced viewers to the heroic firefighters of Firehouse 51, showcasing their bravery on and off the job. Over the years, it has become a fan favorite, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated following around the world.
Known for its commitment to portraying realistic emergencies, Chicago Fire has consistently delivered high-stakes drama infused with authentic firefighting action. However, while the series strives for realism, it has also faced criticism from real-life firefighters and viewers who point out that not everything on screen mirrors the real world.
The Fire You See Is Real—Mostly
One surprising fact about Chicago Fire is that much of the fire and smoke depicted in the series is real, not computer-generated imagery (CGI). According to cast members and crew, practical effects are preferred to enhance authenticity. The actors interact with real flames and smoke during filming, creating a visceral experience that resonates on screen.
David Eigenberg, who plays Christopher Herrmann, once remarked on this:
“I know that when I run into most of those buildings, it’s hot, and there’s real fire in front of me, not CGI. All the tools are real, and that’s largely thanks to (executive producer) Dick Wolf; he made sure we had everything possible to make it real: the tools, the trucks, the gear, all the people in the background are real firefighters.”
Despite these efforts, achieving cinematic realism requires certain adjustments. For instance, the amount of smoke shown on set is significantly reduced compared to real-life scenarios.
The Technical Advisor’s Perspective
Steve Chikerotis, a former firefighter and the show’s technical advisor, explains the challenge of balancing realism with the safety and visibility required for television.
“The smoke on set is 90 percent less than in a real incident,” Chikerotis shared. “If you close your eyes right now, that’s our visibility in an average fire. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a TV show; it would be a radio show. So we have to lighten the smoke. Everything else is very accurate.”
This adjustment, while necessary for production, has led some real-life firefighters to call out the series for not fully representing the harsh conditions they face. However, Chikerotis reassures that these changes are made to keep the scenes visually engaging while maintaining safety for the cast and crew.
The Role of Real Firefighters in Production
Although the Chicago Fire cast members are actors, they’re guided by a team of real firefighters who offer advice on technique and procedures. One of the show’s stars, Anthony Ferraris, who plays Tony, is a real firefighter. His presence lends additional credibility to the series and ensures the portrayal of firefighting remains grounded in reality.
From teaching actors how to handle tools to demonstrating how to approach fire safely, the collaboration between the production team and real-life first responders is key to the show’s success.
Why Some Fans and Firefighters Criticize the Show
While Chicago Fire is praised for its authenticity, some critics argue that even toned-down depictions of firefighting fail to capture the true physical and emotional toll of the job. Real-life firefighters often emphasize that the chaos, smoke, and life-threatening danger they face daily far exceed what’s seen on television.
However, as Chikerotis points out, certain real-life events can feel too extreme to include in a fictional narrative:
“Sometimes we tone down the real events that have happened because real life wouldn’t be believable to people.”
Striking a Balance Between Realism and Entertainment
Chicago Fire walks a fine line between portraying the grit of firefighting and delivering a compelling television drama. While it might not capture every nuance of real-world firefighting, it succeeds in shining a light on the courage, camaraderie, and challenges faced by first responders.
For fans, the blend of authenticity and drama is a winning combination, even if the smoke doesn’t entirely cloud their screens.
