Chicago Fire is a popular American television series that first aired on NBC in 2012. Created by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, and executive produced by Dick Wolf, the show is part of the larger One Chicago franchise. It focuses on the lives of the firefighters, paramedics, and rescue squad members of Firehouse 51, a fictional firehouse in Chicago. The series combines action, drama, and emotional storytelling, showcasing the bravery and sacrifices of first responders.
The setting of the show plays a major role in its storytelling. Chicago, with its towering skyline and bustling neighborhoods, serves as the backdrop for intense rescue missions, fires, and personal struggles. Over the years, fans have become curious about the buildings featured in the show. One of the most common questions is: “What building survived in Chicago Fire?”
This article will explore the building that is prominently featured in the show and has become symbolic to the series. We will also look into its history, its real-life significance, and why it remains a lasting part of the show.
Firehouse 51: A Real and Fictional Landmark
In Chicago Fire, Firehouse 51 is the heart of the series. It is where all the characters work, laugh, fight, and grow. But did you know that Firehouse 51 is actually based on a real building?
The exterior shots of Firehouse 51 are filmed at a real Chicago firehouse. The building used is Engine 18, located at 1360 S. Blue Island Avenue. This firehouse belongs to the Chicago Fire Department and is still in active service. It’s not just a set or a studio lot. This building is a real, working firehouse that has become an iconic part of the show.
The Surviving Building: Engine 18
The building that survived in Chicago Fire is the Engine 18 firehouse. It’s the one we see in nearly every episode, standing strong as the center of all the drama. It has witnessed countless fictional fires, rescues, and emotional moments. But beyond the fiction, Engine 18 is a real piece of Chicago history.
A Historical Look at Engine 18
Engine 18 has been around for over a century. Built in 1872, it is one of the oldest firehouses still in operation in Chicago. The building came just after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of the city. It was part of a larger effort to rebuild and modernize the city’s emergency response system.
The firehouse has gone through several changes and updates, but it has never been torn down or abandoned. It has survived through time, technological change, and even its new fame as a TV landmark. This makes it not just a survivor in the context of the show, but a survivor in real life.
Why Engine 18 Was Chosen
The producers of Chicago Fire wanted authenticity. They didn’t want to film on a set that looked like a firehouse. They wanted a real one, and Engine 18 fit perfectly. It’s located in the heart of Chicago, and its red-brick exterior, classic architecture, and functional use made it the ideal choice.
Using a real building helped the show feel more genuine. It allowed the actors to interact with real fire engines, gear, and facilities. This realism is part of what makes Chicago Fire so compelling. Fans can even visit the building from outside and see the real Engine 18 sign above the door.
Engine 18’s Role in the Show
Engine 18 doesn’t just serve as a backdrop. It’s like a character on its own. The firehouse has hosted intense fire rescues, emotional goodbyes, joyful reunions, and team bonding moments. The garage doors, the locker rooms, and the kitchen are all familiar to fans.
Although many interior scenes are filmed on a set, the exterior scenes use the real building. Sometimes, even real firefighters from the station have been seen during production, adding to the authenticity.
The Symbolism of a Surviving Building
In many ways, Engine 18 symbolizes strength and resilience. In the world of Chicago Fire, it has been through explosions, storms, and even a temporary closure. In real life, it has endured over 150 years of change in the city.
The firehouse represents the unshakable foundation of community and public service. It shows how a single building can become a symbol of safety and courage. For fans of the show, Firehouse 51 (Engine 18) is more than a location; it is a beacon of hope and family.
Visiting Engine 18 Today
Because of the show’s popularity, Engine 18 has become a minor tourist attraction. Many fans stop by the building to take photos. Although it’s a working firehouse and not open to the public, the exterior alone is worth a visit.
If you plan to go, be respectful. The firefighters there are on duty and perform important, life-saving work. But if you’re lucky, you might get a wave or even a photo with the building that has stood the test of time.
Other Buildings in the Show
While Engine 18 is the main surviving building, Chicago Fire also features many other real-life locations around the city. These include:
- Chicago Fire Academy: Used for training new firefighters, sometimes shown in the series.
- Cinespace Chicago Film Studios: Where many of the interior scenes are filmed.
- Local hospitals and neighborhoods: The show often uses real Chicago streets and landmarks.
Still, none of these locations have become as iconic as Engine 18.
Conclusion
The building that survived in Chicago Fire is Engine 18, a real firehouse located at 1360 S. Blue Island Avenue. More than just a set, it is a piece of Chicago history that continues to serve its community.
In the show, it’s known as Firehouse 51, and it stands as a symbol of courage, unity, and dedication. It’s not only a survivor in the storyline but also a real-life survivor of over 150 years of change.
For fans of Chicago Fire, this building is more than bricks and mortar. It’s the heart of the story. And just like the heroes who walk through its doors, it remains standing, ready for whatever comes next.
