"Fans of 'Chicago Fire' are drawn to its heart-pounding drama, dynamic narrative, and charming characters to the screen this January. Frequently, viewers witness these characters navigating bustling city streets, responding to emergencies in suburban homes, or unwinding at a bar after a hectic day. The show's backdrop is unmistakably Chicago's iconic skyline, sparking curiosity about its actual filming locations. Rest assured, we've got the details!
Cinespace Studios
Source: Cinespace Studios
"The initial day of filming took place on set at Cinespace Studios. As the week progressed, the production moved to the actual Firehouse 51, the base for Engine 51, Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambulance 61, and Battalion 25.
Cinespace Film Studios, established in 1988 by Nick Mirkopoulos, a Greek-Canadian, boasts a long history in the film industry. The studio expanded its footprint with a Vaughan facility, active since the 1960s. In 2007, Mirkopoulos collaborated with his Greek American nephew, Alex Pissios, to open Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. Fast forward to 2023, Cinespace further extended its reach by acquiring studio facilities in Atlanta and Wilmington from EUE/Screen Gems."
Inside shots of Firehouse 51 are captured at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, designed to mirror the actual fire station's exterior. Interestingly, the original design for Firehouse 51 included a sliding pole, as seen in the pilot episode. However, this idea was scrapped to reflect the reality of Engine 18 and most modern Chicago fire stations, which are single-story and lack such poles.
Engine 18/Chicago's West Side
Source: Chicago Fire Department
The outer scenes of Firehouse 51 are shot at a real fire station on Chicago's West Side, specifically the Engine 18 station on S. Blue Island Avenue. This active firehouse has not only served as a pivotal filming location but has also become a tourist attraction since the show's inception.
"Chicago Fire" often features crossover scenes with "Chicago P.D." officers, especially during citywide crises. The outdoor shots for these "Chicago P.D." moments are filmed near Engine 18, while the indoor scenes are also produced at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.
Chicago Fire Department Firehouse
Source: Chicago Fire Department
The exterior shots of the firehouse in "Chicago Fire" are filmed at an actual working fire station in Chicago. This station, which serves as the base for Engine 18, is located at 1360 South Blue Island Avenue at Maxwell Street. Positioned between 13th and Racine, it's a bustling hub hosting ALS Engine 18, 2–2–1 (Deputy District Chief – 1st District), 2–1–21 (1st District Chief), 6–4–16 (High-Rise Response Unit), and ALS Ambulance 65. For the interior scenes of Firehouse 51, the show shifts its filming to Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.
In a similar vein, the exterior scenes for the police station in "Chicago PD" are shot just a few blocks away from this firehouse, at 949 West Maxwell Street at Morgan Street. Like "Chicago Fire," the indoor scenes for "Chicago PD" are also filmed at Cinespace, ensuring continuity and a seamless blend between the shows' shared universe.
Molly's Bar/Lottie's Pub
Source: Lottie Pub
Molly's Bar, a favorite hangout in "Chicago Fire," is owned by characters Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte), and Trudy Platt (Amy Morton) of "Chicago P.D." The real-life location for Molly's is Lottie's Pub in Chicago's Bucktown area, famous among locals for its vibrant ambiance, happy hour specials, and open mic nights. To minimize interference with Lottie's Pub operations, later "Chicago Fire" episodes replicate Molly's interior at Cinespace Studios.