‘Chicago Fire’ filming in Austin Monday

Jesse Spencer (left) and Taylor Kinney in the season three premiere of “Chicago Fire,” airing at 9 p.m. Tuesday. | NBC photo

Parking was a little tougher than usual for Austin residents and commuters who leave their cars near Central and Lake to catch the Green Line Monday morning.

Several streets are blocked off north of the L’s Green Line and west of Austin Town Hall for “Chicago Fire,” which is filming Monday in the vicinity of the 5700 block of West Race Street on the West Side, the Chicago Film Office confirmed.

The NBC drama has had a busy shooting schedule around town since filming for the third season began at the end of July.

Many exterior scenes have been shot in the city so far, including an incident with a barely clothed actor on the Franklin Street Bridge in River North earlier this month and an accident involving a car and a fire hydrant at Milwaukee, Clinton and Fulton in July.

After last winter, I don’t blame them. Might as well take advantage of the weather while it’s good.

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“Chicago Fire” returns for season three at 9 p.m. Tuesday on WMAQ-Channel 5.

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