Chicago Fire offers viewers a fast-paced plot and engaging characters, with the city of Chicago itself becoming a key element of the show. The Chicago skyline is prominently featured throughout its 12-season run.
Unlike many shows that use fictional or varied filming locations, Chicago Fire is filmed on location. Main locations such as Firehouse 51, the Chicago Police Station, and Molly’s Bar are actual popular spots in the city, familiar to residents.
The main location of Chicago Fire was Firehouse 51, where the main cast congregates and the majority of the character drama happens. The firehouse has both external and internal shots, where the former have been shot in the West Side of Chicago. Coincidentally, the firehouse that is used for filming in this regard is an operational one.
For interior shots, the crew had visited Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. Originally, the filmmakers had hoped to use a sliding pole as part of the show but that did not pan out due to logistical issues, especially as most Chicago firehouses have acted as one-story buildings.
Engine 18 Station
The Engine 18 Station is an iconic location of Firehouse 51. The real location at which this station is located is S Blue Island Avenue, and this too was another operational firehouse. However, because of the Chicago Fire, many fans have gone on to crowd the location and transform it into a bustling tourist spot.
In fact, in an interview with NBC, executive producer Dementra Diamantopoulos remarked:
“Engine 18 is our second home! We find ourselves filming there at least three days a month. The members of the house treat us well and we feel that they are part of the Chicago Fire family. It’s no easy task for them to make room for us and still meet the needs of the community they serve.”
Chicago Police Station
When it comes to fire-related crimes such as arson and such, firefighters and police work in tandem. Chicago Fire remains true to this concept, and the characters are often seen collaborating with the law enforcement officers of the Chicago Police Department. As such, the Chicago police station is a common filming location where the firefighters are seen visiting while tracking down arsonists and so on.
However, the external shots for the scenes featuring the Chicago police were not filmed at the station. Rather they were shot around the corner from Engine 18.
Molly’s Bar
If you are a long-time fan, there is no chance that you would not be familiar with Molly’s Bar. A pub where the firefighters congregate when there are no civilians to save, the bar (in-universe) is owned by two of the firefighters.
The real location where this famous spot can be traced back to is Lottie’s Pub in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, with its address as 1924 W. Cortland Street. Locals know it for good and cheap deals as well as the night-time scenery, which makes the bar suitable for the ambience.
In addition to Lottie’s Pub and other key locations, the show frequently takes its characters to various parts of the city during their firefighting missions. This adds to the authenticity and connection to Chicago, as the show explores different neighborhoods and landmarks within the city.
