Can You Visit the Firehouse Used on the Show?

TV

'Chicago Fire' is filmed in a real fire station, but can you visit it? Here is everything you need to know.

Published on February 1, 2019

Some television shows use sets, but Chicago Fire uses a real firehouse to film the show. So where is it and can you visit it? Here is everything you need to know about the real fire station.

Firehouse 51 is really Engine 18 

The show is filmed in a real fire station, which probably helps Chicago Fire feel authentic. It is located at 1360 S. Blue Island Avenue in Chicago.

Local firefighters also seem to be very supportive of the show given Chicago Fire Department Deputy District Chief Steve Chikerotis is a consultant on it and real firefighters have been in the background of scenes.

Fans of Chicago Fire have visited the station

People have flocked to the fire station to see it with their own eyes. “We have people come from all over the world,” said Chikerotis according to the Chicago Tribune. “We might have 200-300 people that are here. … I’ve seen a big increase in the number of tourists coming around.”

Tours are also advertised online through websites like Red Tricycle. The description reads, “Are you a fan of “Chicago Fire”? Engine Co 18 is one of the hit show’s primary shooting locations. Take the kids to learn about this company’s history as the oldest company in Chicago, organized one year after the Great Fire of 1871, and stay to catch a scene in action. Insider tip: late morning and afternoons are the best times to visit if you’d like a tour.”

This does leave the possibility of fans seeing actors filming scenes. But there is one catch when the firehouse is being used for the show.

People can only watch filming from afar

On Location Vacations mention that fans can try to go to the firehouse while they are filming, but they will be asked to watch from a distance. It does say that it’s possible for people to meet the actors.

One review on Trip Advisor wrote about their experience of watching during filming. “We were able to watch some filming being done with the show Chicago Fire. We are huge fans and we were so excited to see some of the actors. They do block off the streets while filming, but the guy directing was so nice. He told us where we could stand and watch.”

Another person wrote about sitting on a pretty recognizable set piece. The fan wrote, “So exciting for us! Keith, one of the firefighters, was very friendly. He showed us around the firehouse and trucks. We bought decals and T shirts while there. We got to set [sic] on Mouch’s couch!! It was definitely worth fighting the Chicago traffic for. These guys are true heroes. Thank you!!”

The real fire station is definitely open to visit and if the show is filming you might get to watch. Fans who have visited seemed to have a good time from sitting to Mouch’s couch to seeing the actors with their own eyes.

Read more: ‘Chicago Fire’: Do the Actors Really Go Through Firefighter Training?

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