Chicago Fire stars train with the real CFD

The actors of the upcoming drama Chicago Fire aren’t just reading their lines to prepare for their new role, they also trained with the professionals, gaining real-life experience with the real Chicago Fire Department.

“People don’t really get to see what we do, so with this show and keeping it real, it gives viewers a chance to see what fire fighters really do for a living,” said a member of the Chicago Fire Department who helps train the actors on the show.

As part of their training for the show, the actors experience real-life firefighting scenarios that are usually presented in the CFD’s training program. They put on the gear, pry open doors, use the Jaws of Life to dismantle a car, and enter a zero-visibility room filled with smoke to gain a better grasp of what being a fire fighter entails.

“Like in any job, the reality of the situation is always very different from how you perceive it,” said Jesse Spencer.

As one can imagine, the cast is overly humbled by the experience of training with the fire department, as they constantly find themselves unable to perform the tasks and judgment that are required to combat blazing flames.

Chicago Fire will premier in UK on 24 October, on Sky Living channel.