How do they film buildings on fire for TV without destroying them?

Question

I just watched an episode of Chicago Fire where a dry cleaners was on fire. Lots of smoke, and tall flames coming off the roof. Interior seen through glass doors and windows full of smoke. It was a real establishment, easy to verify since they didn't change the name or signs, and it's right there on Google Maps and Street View. And it's still in business!

I thought the building might have been scheduled for demolition, and sold to the producers for use in the series. But no, it's still there and open.

So how do they make it look like the building is up in flames?

I thought the building might have been scheduled for demolition, and sold to the producers for use in the series. But no, it's still there and open.

So how do they make it look like the building is up in flames?

drip · Accepted Answer

Smoke and mirrors.
Fire is controlled. And can be turned off and on. Smoke is from machines not the fire
A set can be built of a real establishment.  A fake building with no insides.

H&amp;M · Answer

*** Question de truquage... ^^

Anonymous · Answer

Computer special effects of course.

? · Answer

They build a replica of the building on a lot and torch it, then superimpose the burning building onto the real location

Tavy · Answer

The fire is superimposed onto a film of the building
Smoke and mirrors it's called.

skeptik · Answer

It's called "visual effects."

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How do they film buildings on fire for TV without destroying them?

6 Answers