NBC’s hit drama Chicago Fire is back for its 14th season, continuing to showcase the intense, high-stakes lives of first responders at the fictional Firehouse 51. The season premiered on October 1, 2025, and has already captured fans with its fiery rescues, emotional twists, and authentic Windy City backdrop.

So, where exactly is Chicago Fire filmed? The answer lies in a mix of real Chicago fire stations, studio sets, and iconic city landmarks that bring the show’s realism to life.

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1. Chicago Fire Department Engine 18 – The Real Firehouse 51

📍 1360 S. Blue Island Avenue, Near West Side, Chicago

Much of Chicago Fire’s authenticity comes from its roots at Engine 18, an operational fire station on Chicago’s Near West Side. The station’s exterior serves as the fictional Firehouse 51, the show’s central setting.

According to co-executive producer Demetra Diamantopoulos, the crew coordinates filming around the station’s real-life emergency duties. The firefighters of Engine 18 often welcome the production team, creating a unique collaboration between fiction and reality.

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2. Cinespace Chicago Film Studios

📍 2621 W. 15th Place, Chicago

The series’ interior scenes — from the bunk rooms to Chief Boden’s office — are shot inside Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, one of North America’s largest production facilities. The interiors are meticulously designed to mirror the real Engine 18 layout.

Cinespace also serves as the production hub for the other One Chicago series — Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. — allowing for easy crossover filming and shared sets when storylines intertwine.

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3. Lottie’s Pub (Molly’s Bar) – Bucktown

📍 1924 W. Cortland Street, Chicago

When the firefighters unwind after a tough shift, they head to Molly’s Bar — which, in real life, is Lottie’s Pub in Bucktown.

The exterior of Lottie’s is used for on-location filming, while the pub’s cozy interior is recreated on set at Cinespace. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and live events, Lottie’s has become a must-visit spot for One Chicago fans visiting the city.

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4. Chicago Fire Academy

📍 558 W. DeKoven Street, Chicago

The Chicago Fire Academy often appears in training or flashback sequences throughout the series. The building holds special historical significance — it sits on the site where the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 began. Its sleek, modern architecture contrasts beautifully with the show’s gritty firehouse scenes.

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5. Iconic Chicago Landmarks and Neighborhoods

Chicago Fire doesn’t just stay within four walls — it thrives in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Season 14 has featured multiple outdoor sequences filmed across:

• The Chicago River – for sweeping aerial shots of rescue operations.

• The Magnificent Mile – used for upscale emergencies and downtown action.

• Lincoln Park and The Gold Coast – backdrops for storylines involving the city’s elite.

• Bridgeport and Pilsen – used to represent more working-class or industrial neighborhoods close to Cinespace.

Diamantopoulos notes that each episode’s location is carefully chosen to reflect the characters involved — from gritty alleyways to glittering skyscrapers, every setting tells a story.

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Chicago Fire Season 14: What’s Happening So Far

In the latest season, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) has taken temporary command of Firehouse 51 during Pascal’s absence, juggling leadership duties with his mentorship of newcomer Isaiah. Meanwhile, a troubling string of stabbing cases and ignored 911 calls suggest a deeper mystery running through the city.

The upcoming episode airs November 5, 2025, exclusively on NBC.