In a shocking turn of events, filming for the popular NBC drama Chicago Fire came to an immediate halt after gunshots rang out near the set. The incident took place around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday in Oak Park, Illinois, near the 5900 block of W. Madison St., just a short distance from where the crew was filming.

The Chicago Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that the gunfire was exchanged in the area, but fortunately, no one was struck by the bullets. The suspect, who fled the scene in a black SUV, remains at large. The authorities are actively investigating the situation, but as of now, no suspects have been taken into custody.

In response to the gunfire, the Chicago Fire set immediately entered into security protocol, stopping production to ensure the safety of the cast and crew. A source close to the production confirmed that no one associated with the show was involved in the incident or injured in any way.

Filming for the show, which had been in full swing, was briefly interrupted, but it is expected to resume Thursday, following heightened security measures. While the situation was alarming, there were no reported casualties or injuries, which provided some relief to the cast, crew, and fans.  

Chicago Fire Continues to Heat Up Ahead of Season 11

Despite the unsettling event, Chicago Fire is pressing on with its preparations for the highly anticipated premiere of Season 11, set to air on September 21. The new season is set to pick up from the emotional Season 10 finale, where fans witnessed Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd’s (Miranda Rae Mayo) wedding — a moment that brought tears to many viewers.

Season 11 promises more drama, with the honeymoon of Severide and Kidd being interrupted by a dangerous figure from their past. Additionally, a new character from Kidd’s academy class will join the crew at Firehouse 51, adding new dynamic layers to the team.

Fans of the show will also get a chance to see the return of fan-favorite Jesse Spencer as Matt Casey. In a heartwarming moment, Spencer made a surprise appearance at Severide and Kidd’s wedding, serving as Kelly’s best man. Chicago Fire co-showrunner Andrea Newman praised Spencer’s understanding of his character, emphasizing the deep bond between Casey and Severide. It was clear that Spencer’s return was more than just a cameo; it was a meaningful moment for both the characters and the fans.  

A Day in the Life of a Chicago Fire Crew Member

Despite the on-set scare, the Chicago Fire cast and crew remain committed to bringing the drama and excitement fans expect from the show. The series is well-known for its action-packed scenes and intense emotional moments, but behind the cameras, the safety and well-being of the people involved are always the top priority.

The Chicago Fire team has proven time and time again that no matter the obstacle, they will continue to fight and deliver captivating television. This brief interruption in production only underscores the unpredictable nature of working on a set, but it also highlights the dedication of the Chicago Fire family.

As the investigation into the shooting continues and filming resumes, fans can look forward to the exciting new chapter of Chicago Fire in Season 11. Despite the challenges, the heart of Chicago Fire remains strong, and the cast and crew are ready to bring the heat back to screens this fall.  

What do you think about the shooting near the Chicago Fire set? Will this change how the production handles safety in the future?