If you are wondering where Chicago Fire is filmed, the answer is remarkably straightforward: the long-running NBC drama is filmed in Chicago, Illinois, using a combination of real locations and studio sets. The series follows the firefighters and paramedics of the fictional Firehouse 51, combining high-stakes emergency calls with the personal relationships and conflicts within the crew. One of its most recognizable locations is a real working Chicago Fire Department station, while many interior sequences are created at a nearby production studio.
This approach gives Chicago Fire an authentic connection to the city that serves as its setting. The production also uses other recognizable Chicago locations, including the Chicago Fire Academy and the Bucktown location associated with Molly’s Bar. For viewers wanting to watch the series, all 14 seasons are currently available on Peacock in the United States.
Chicago Fire Filming Locations, Plot and Where to Watch
The most famous Chicago Fire filming location is Firehouse 51, which is actually the exterior of Chicago Fire Department Engine 18 at 1360 South Blue Island Avenue. The station is a functioning firehouse rather than a purpose-built television set, making the exterior scenes particularly authentic. Interior Firehouse 51 scenes are primarily filmed on recreated sets at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.
Another notable location is the Chicago Fire Academy at 558 West De Koven Street, which appears in the series and has an unusual connection to Chicago history. The site is associated with the location where the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 began, giving one of the show’s recurring locations an especially fitting connection to its subject. The series also filmed scenes at Lottie’s Pub in Bucktown, which inspired the fictional Molly’s Bar before production recreated the setting on a studio set.
The plot centers on the men and women of Firehouse 51 as they respond to fires, accidents and other emergencies throughout Chicago. Alongside the rescue stories, the drama explores friendships, romances, leadership struggles, professional rivalries and the emotional consequences of working in such a dangerous profession. The series therefore balances procedural action with character-driven storytelling.
For viewers in the United States, Chicago Fire is currently available to stream on Peacock, which lists all 14 seasons. The series originally premiered in 2012 and remains part of the wider One Chicago television universe alongside Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med.