Since 2012, Chicago Fire has captured the lives of the fictional heroes of the Chicago Fire Department. Produced by Dick Wolf and Wolf

Entertainment, the show’s success has spawned other series that live in the same cinematic universe, “One Chicago,” including Chicago

P.D., Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice. When it comes to Firehouse 51, the action is non-stop. Over the course of 13 seasons, fans have

 

 

watched their favorite characters experience everything. From explosions to tornadoes to, well, fires, the intensity of the stories is palpable. They pack some heat! Pun intended.

Meanwhile, Jessica “Chili” Chilton (Dora Madison) learns that her sister had been found dead, though some of the Firehouse 51 do not call her erratic behavior an excuse for her recent actions. Her verbal assault on Jimmy Borrelli (Steven R. McQueen) following their breakup

 

 

was simply uncalled-for, regardless of grief. When it reached the point of nearly killing a victim, many were worried this could be Chili’s last straw. She was her own windstorm in a highly stressful episode. Though the tornado’s aftermath caused immense destruction for Chicago, the reality of the damage made the episode’s intensity feel quite real.

 

 

Usually, when you watch a fictional series, and you witness an event that might scare you, should you be caught in a similar situation, you get a glimpse of the resolution. Many people fear being trapped in an elevator. But what if you happen to be stuck in an elevator while the building is on fire? You might hope the firefighters are called in to save the day. During this Season 9 episode, building manager Holly (Baize Buzan) and construction contractor Trevor (Brian King) end up being trapped in an elevator whose cable snapped, alongside the firefighters they called to save the day.

Hermann and Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso) do everything in their power to calm Holly and tend to Trevor’s broken leg, all while trying to radio out for help. The intensity of the episode was centered around a real fear and the terror built aound the traumatic situation. Things continue to get worse. Between smoke seeping in, causing Holly to panic and electrocute herself, and a near-fire starting inside the shaft, Chicago Fire expertly mastered an intense situation while exploring and developing character arcs. On the bright side, Holly and Trevor bonded over their shared trauma, agreeing to a date after they are cared for.