A Matter of Seconds - Chicago Fire

Herrmann (David Eigenberg) sets a couch on fire as he pleads with a furniture company's CEO to do a better job of taking care of their customers and going above the bare minimum when it comes to safety.
Episode Highlight: "Seeing Is Believing" Season 8, Episode 8
» Subscribe for More: bit.ly/OneChicagoSub
» Watch Chicago Fire Wednesdays 9/8c on NBC!
» Stream on Peacock: pck.tv/3cKvJBm
ONE CHICAGO ON SOCIAL:
Like One Chicago on Facebook: / nbconechicago
Follow One Chicago on Twitter: / nbconechicago
Follow One Chicago on Instagram: / nbconechicago
Find One Chicago trailers, full episode highlights, previews, promos, clips, and digital exclusives here.
NBC ON SOCIAL:
NBC KZbin: / nbc
Like NBC: / nbc
Follow NBC: / nbc
NBC Pinterest: / nbctv
NBC Instagram: / nbc
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE
From renowned Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf ("Law & Order" brand) and co-creator Derek Haas, the writer behind "3:10 to Yuma," comes Season 8 of "Chicago Fire." The family inside Firehouse 51 knows no other way than to lay it all on the line for each other. Capt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) leads the Truck Company and brash Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) runs the Rescue Squad. The firehouse also includes Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), a fireman's fireman. Paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) returns alongside seasoned veteran Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Randy "Mouch" McHolland (Christian Stolte), as well as resourceful firefighter Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). Completing the team are dependable squad member Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), paramedic Emily Foster (Annie Ilonzeh) and the newest addition, candidate Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende).
A Matter of Seconds - Chicago Fire
• A Matter of Seconds - ...
One Chicago
/ nbconechicago
Chicago Fire is available now on Peacock, the new streaming service from NBCUniversal. Watch thousands of hours of hit movies and shows, plus daily news, sports, and pop culture updates. Stream now on Peacock.

[@yaraarslan4538]

"And that heart beat...... Was his last" im still crying 😭

[@robfab5204]

Such an intense moment

[@aoifem4296]

I don't watch this show and I was still upset.

[@robfab5204]

@@aoifem4296 damn how did you find this scene then

[@simplystar-warsgaming1]

I know R.I.P. Otis

[@emirachelnatalie3397]

@@aoifem4296 you should lol it's really good and you'll get attached to the characters lol

[@kendalmoraes2551]

“Their fate, whether they live or die, comes down to a matter of seconds”. Damn that’s a powerful line.

[@inkstories3925]

It's very true. I have complete respect for all our real heros.

[@sarachello5318]

Kendal Moraes I wanna get a tattoo of that line

[@KameRiderGeatsfeverzombie]

No kidding

[@nightstalker7734]

This line fits in line with an accident in Montana, and other states where this has Happened. "Their fate, and weather they live or die" is often times comes down to milliseconds. Please slow down and pay attention on the road. facebook.com/mark.burger.357/posts/10157305721121916

[@user-yx4vd8se5u]

Thousandth like, you’re welcome.

[@nyranon]

Damn, once again Herman shows why he's my absolute favorite character. I said once and I'll say it again - he's a sarcastic baddass with a heart of gold and the courage of a lion.

[@SweetHeartsss]

Could not agree more myself

[@robfab5204]

Ditto. All of the characters are heroes.

[@heatherbreedlove3196]

Agree. Herman is a sweetheart.

[@amandanies3174]

And also a great father. When it comes to the safety of children, his parental instincts will go into protection overdrive or unleash the rage of Papa Bear when someone harms a child.

[@DerilVStubenrod]

"he's a sarcastic baddass with a heart of gold and the courage of a lion" - I absolutely LOVE that assessment of him.

[@Waterlily6519]

Christopher is such a good man. He is not aggressive in any way when it comes to explaining what that furniture did to Brian. A simple voice, but such an effect to stand in front of the burning couch. Rest in Peace dear Brian. You will forever be a pillar of strenght in Firehouse 51.

[@alfieingerfield4862]

Are u bent. It’s a tv show

[@jadeks_]

Ryan Alexander Penrose Your tough persona ain't gonna work everywhere.

[@fluffyplays4397]

@@RP-kn3rw tough personality but you sure do get your feelings hurt easily lmao

[@darkmage212]

⁠@@alfieingerfield4862Wow… your “tough” aren’t you. Talking down to people liking a show.

[@quixak7209]

“What kind of goal is that? Bare minimum?” That holds true for everything and it is powerful

[@meggrotte4760]

You know how one time in America we used to think like this quality. Too many generations have gone by where they've been taught to think about only themselves

[@prsgroove3117]

“That heart beat... was his last” that sent chills through my body. Rest In Peace Otis.

[@eeveeinateacup269]

Good on Herrmann for demonstrating how dangerous their products really are. As soon as I heard that they were the same company that made the mattress that cost Otis his life, I knew it was about to go down. As Herrmann said, in a rescue, every second counts, and stuff that's highly flammable will definitely get in the way of that. They've lost one of their own because of that, and they are not gonna let it happen to an innocent citizen. Awesome job, Herrmann. ✊

[@sineadd4438]

Love Hermann he I'd amazing 💕💕💕

[@tammieknuth6020]

Sounds like law mixed in their too. Kudos!!

[@raggarbergman]

There is an educational movie that is used here in Sweden where they built up a typical office space and then place a candle in the sofa in the corner. After three minutes, the whole room is on fire.

[@user-rx2sr8zf5f]

​@@sineadd4438joul

[@moonstoneblues8512]

AS much as I LOVE this scene, I've just realised the "Don't worry this won't take long" line is actually a remark about how quickly the couch lights up, not just Herman trying to assure the CEO. I'm so slow XD

[@briannonohara4714]

The quiet, contained rage in Hermann's voice and the silent condemnation of everyone else standing behind him... it delivers his message so effectively.

[@ladyanime100]

I still can't believe Otis is gone. My heart still hurts

[@robfab5204]

Mine too

[@Aggression-hc3yp]

Otis may have died, but he became immortal and his influence still lingers.

[@rochellmasinga814]

And this is why Herman is the beating heart of the house.

[@Julia.Taunton-Clark99]

Herrmann

[@robfab5204]

Him and Stella

[@jayscott7309]

No

[@BassmanII]

This was powerful, especially considering that at the end, the CEO announces to Lt. Hermann with his kids present that major changes were being made IMMEDIATELY to the product line to ensure not that they meet minimum standards, but exceed them.

[@endofyraaaaryfodne3389]

Hermann's voice. His eyes. The way he could articulate pain and loss without screaming this guy's head off, I am in awe.

[@lenawagenfuehr53]

👏

[@ikrammunye6723]

How Herman didn't flinch when the couch burned behind him Dude I got shivers down my spine

[@patriciasanders2942]

As the widow of a professional firefighter I am acutely aware of how dangerous this job is and how courageous and committed firefighters are to what they do never take them for granted they are very special people

[@astheticlemon5312]

I’m so sorry for your loss, I know I’ve not and haven’t even closely experienced the pain you have, but my heart breaks for you. I hope all is well, God bless🤍

[@sarasotaguy4598]

I'm glad that the CEO of that furniture company made the decision to start using less dangerous material to make their furniture. He definitely did the right thing. Brian would be proud of the CEO and everyone else who works at that company for doing that and proud of Christopher and everyone else at fire house 51 for not giving up on getting the message out there to protect all the people.

[@ainzooalgown4884]

Polyethylene was used to make napalm in the vietnam war and delayed the explosin so it burnt more. It was used in a lot of furniture before new and improved fire safety laws. It was the cause of a lot of fires before 1990 to early 2001. I aculy hate the CEO letting his company something so flammable.

[@linkais3875]

Otis may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. His heart will still beat within everyone at firehouse 51.

[@cleliatorrego3691]

Hearing hermann talking about otis made me cry so hard😭😭❤

[@xxsunnymelodyxx77]

When he said “was his last” my heart stopped and shrunk

[@asiasworld3124]

Best ever

[@kaitlynlangreck7505]

I started crying when he said that

[@davidtheobald4725]

Otis saying for seasons he didn't feel respected at 51. This episode put all that doubt to rest. Hermann showed that here.

[@lilfizzypoplollipopzvonecek14]

But it was too late for Brian to know.

[@Idk-we9ip]

Herman is genuinely a good man and this just shows how much he cares about the safety of others and why he is one of my favourite characters

[@Julia.Taunton-Clark99]

Herrmann

[@alexander.tahtadjian]

Now this was a very impactful scene. Herman calling him out, telling him how his friend Otis gave his life to save his fellow firefighters from his faulty furniture was just...perfect.

[@darkphoenix1756]

I love how Herrmann is always insistent on getting his point across

[@nave712]

I love how composed Herman is when explaining how dangerous the furniture is to the CEO

[@starbreaker8513]

Herman is the most badass character in CF

[@naedot.9779]

And Severide

[@dinodino3866]

Kasper Roos nah he ain’t good.

[@adamjones90]

When he said in a heart beat my friend brian saved the lifes of six others but that heart beat was his last . That but their got me man.

[@lynlewis8606]

"Their Fate, Whether They Live Or Die, Comes Down To A Matter Of Seconds." That gave me chills

[@alberthartje7641]

Begs the saying, “actions speak louder than words”. Way to go Herman!!! #OneChicago #House51Forever

[@Julia.Taunton-Clark99]

Herrmann

[@Alyverse_asmr_audios]

This is why I stan Hermann. Hes the most charming, caring, bamf in the whole cfd.

[@ssallmen8347]

This is why we love Herrmann

[@tanyam5471]

That's why Herrmann is my absolutly favorite. His heart is pure gold.

[@ChristineTheHippie]

This episode touches on a key issue. Companies are not evil, but often quality is sacrificed for the bottom line

[@robfab5204]

I agree

[@genuinescorruption]

Most CEOs of large companies are in fact sociopaths, and as such they are evil. The outcome of this episode is unlikely in real life IMHO. Not gonna say never, but the odds of someone like this big shot coming around are about the same odds of him being struck by lightning three times in one day. I enjoyed this episode, but in reality this CEO would have likely tried to take out a contract on these firemen to get them off of his back.

[@raulbetancourt5795]

The fact that they care more about making money them their clients's lives is What makes them Evil.

[@eahuiu6836]

I do not disagree, but at the end of the day people are human and they make mistakes. People are taught what to do in every line of business to make money, and like most things you cannot feel much for it unless you experience it in person and not through numbers or words on a page. People wether they're a sociopath, a psychopath, or just a person with no mental disabilities are capable of both the cruelest action as well as kindness in it's purest form. So, I guess I'm trying to say is try not to condemn a person who you have never met or is you don't know what their circumstances are. Though it is just from a TV show there are people in real life who get put in a category and they will always be seen with those words over their head.

[@roisinsteed5241]

Herman was brilliant in Chicago Fire. The best character in my opinion. I loved him and what an actor.

[@1buddahead]

Got an uncle with LA Fire. He's never shared a lot but I know he's had some close calls and lost friends. He's been in some of the wildfires too. Respect and love to all emergency responders out there. Thank you.

[@maryamalhammadi588]

I glad the rich man came through and promised some changes and also paid respect to Otis

[@jonathandelgado8384]

No wonder the factory fire was so intense. EVERY piece of furniture in there was made out of GASOLINE!

[@onisfury8264]

Or polyester is also known to burn very fast but also melt.

[@ainzooalgown4884]

@@onisfury8264 polyethylene aculy is basically gasoline. It was used to make napalm grenade's during the vietnam war took extra time to combust but had disastrous properties. It caused a lot fires in homes apartments and hotel's before fire safety laws we're advanced.

[@TracyLynnCruz]

Just straight up goosebumps. When the fire started and the music began, and his heartfelt speech…gosh darn it I can’t stop crying!!!!

[@ryleigh3847]

Hermann: a firefighter Also Herrmann: sets a couch on fire

[@lilfizzypoplollipopzvonecek14]

And lets the other firefighters to take the fire off

[@gamingjnw6640]

Herman broke a fire risk as he lit a match towards him

[@Julia.Taunton-Clark99]

Herrmann

[@patriciasanders2942]

As the widow of a firefighter I can relate to everything that was said do not ever take those courageous people for granted

[@robfab5204]

Sorry for your loss. I'm grateful for the firefighters of the world.

[@destinygieschen8002]

I swear Herman can give a damn good speech

[@alicialanham1498]

Preach it Herrmann!!once again does he show why he’s the best person on Chicago Fire!! Christopher Herrmann gives this show life.

[@seeyouthereinvitations]

I love how they support and have each others back.

[@mikha7488]

Herrmann is the sweetest. 🥺

[@unboundedits8815]

This confrontation was the best. There was no violence, it was rational and Hermann not only proved how dangerous the furniture was dangerous if there was a fire but he also kept into account that when it comes to safety standards, not all companies think of fire's when it comes to their products so they don't test the dangers of that outcome.

[@SR-cp9mh]

I love Herman 😍😍.. His voice.. And Voight CPD😍😍😍😍

[@happysera8193]

Herman is clearly Gryffindor

[@robfab5204]

That's what I said!!!! Most hero characters are Gryffindors though. All firefighters are heroes...aka most are Gryffindors

[@bronwyn9082]

Ottis was a Hufflepuff, same with Dawson and Shay.

[@samaeldeul572]

This was the most powerfull scene I've seen so far. Herman is truly amazing!! He's definitly my favourite in the whole Chicago series. H

[@BentleyTypeR]

Ever since the episode that Kelly told his father that Boden was the father he never had to his father, and then him hearing about his father dying, I always tell my parents that I love them, even after a huge argument, I always do, because I don't know if that's the last time I get to see them.

[@alexgibson1419]

I'm not crying..... Your crying......😭😭💔❤

[@kendratyson9050]

RIP OTIS !!!! ✨🙏🏽♥️ & I love Herman !!!!!! ✨♥️

[@cdubbau135]

I always loved this scene. The pain, the anger, the resignation... The resolve. This whole scene is brilliant.

[@kathleendonovan7403]

His strength is lifting his teammates up, never asking for anything in return.

[@Gamerafighter76]

Hermann made a very convincing argument.

[@JayAshBranAudioScripts]

Here’s what I like about this. The man he’s speaking to, you can see on his face that he never imagined bare minimum would cost someone their life. (Haven’t Seen the Episode yet) He is truly Sorry. And his ditch effort to state he was in compliance was more of a flight from a fight so he isn’t held responsible for the lives his furniture cost. But in that matter of seconds...Herman made him realize that extra dollars for safety is a lot cheaper than a life time of paying for a human life

[@rachelthompson2914]

Thank you NBC for uploading this. Best part of the episode.

[@minolinushara1121]

Witch episode is this

[@mxgirl918]

This should be shown to some of the corporate big wigs of certain companies who have been recalling their substandard products in recent years.

[@3man659]

mxgirl918 well, maybe more so those companies own substandard stuff

[@carmencollor1224]

You have to love Christopher Hermann!

[@krisconaghan690]

i loved how in the following episode the furniture guy turned up at 51 and told them hes introducing changes

[@chevelleguy8059]

This is by far one.of the best scenes in the show.

[@robfab5204]

This squad tho 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Like most of the others on this squad, Herman is 100% a Gryffindor.

[@robfab5204]

Edit: the look on Hermann's face really says it all I think. I can't really describe why this is, but that looks conveys everything you need to know about this scene, the episode, maybe the season, and definitely about Hermann and Squad 51.

[@snellydescartesjean505]

I just love Herrmann so much and the way he does his job.But in all this I miss Otis

[@toruoikawa2576]

Otis’s death made me cry *Cried like I have never cried*

[@lilfizzypoplollipopzvonecek14]

Same 😭😭😭😭💔

[@xientau9028]

Not gonna lie, after rewatching this scene now, I almost wish that Herrmann had said "Alright guys, let's put this deathtrap out" when they were extinguishing the sofa at the end, just to really rub it in that CEO's face.

[@bethbudner50]

Even though this moving episode from S8 was several years ago, I'm glad Hermann spoke up for his Firehouse #51 squad to prevent future losses of life (i.e. Flame-resistant furniture & refraining from leaving candles unattended, respectively). Beth Budner, Auburndale, MA!

[@ikrammunye6723]

That couch took 12 seconds to light up on fire 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@audrey16crystal]

This is one of, if not the most, powerful scenes in the entire show. One year ago I hadn’t seen any episodes and in the span of a few months I binged all of it. Sure there are some cheesy moments and it can feel like the same thing over and over again sometimes, but moments like this are what makes it worth it.

[@BoulevardFan28]

One of the best scenes in the entirety of this amazing show.

[@joewhitehead3]

For people like this CEO, it takes dramatic examples right to their faces to make them finally see more clearly. In a matter of seconds, Herrmann changed this guy

[@CrimsonCodex528]

the man who plays Herman is one of the most amazing actors in Chicago Fire

[@lenawagenfuehr53]

The Sex and the City reboot more or less focuses on his hearing loss abs makes him a doddering old codger. It was so good to see him intense and rational here. What a powerful scene, what a great actor.

[@sineadd4438]

Really Really Miss Otis 😢 He was an amazing Actor And A Huge Part Of FireHouse 51 so sad he's gone 😢

[@aimeegraveson9174]

It only took 11.53 seconds for the sofa to catch on fire! Herrmann has a good way to tell people how to do things! He doesn't just say it in anger, he doesn't use the kind and convincing method, he uses his own ways to convince people how to do their jobs and how to keep people safe! He said that "A person's fait weather they live or die comes down to a matter of seconds" The sofa only took 11.53 seconds meaning her chances of surviving were lower than anyone else's ever were! Other people have lower chances of dying too! It also matters on how many victims! If there is over 10 victims then there is a very low chance that only 1/4 of them will make it, where as if there is only 1-3 victims then there is a higher chance that they're all going to survive!!!

[@motsumilioness]

Fate*

[@joes5010]

Love how they did the CEO in this episode, from vicious business man who doesn't have time for them because they have nothing to say in his eyes due to him meeting minimum safety, then moving through the understanding of what minimum safety actually looks like in this scene (the way he goes impatient to shocked to guilt) and at the end where he vows change. It gives a great image of someone who read the reports but didn't understand the meaning behind them. Its impressive that he goes from 'I can save X% and still be in requirements' to 'Is X% savings worth it?' and hats off to Herrmann for finding a way to show it that a CEO would understand.

[@desimonium]

Quite possibly the most powerful clip I’ve ever seen.

[@muminurrhoman8318]

what an inspirational speech Hermann

[@kathleendonovan7403]

One of his best moments! I love how the house is there with him.

[@jennybaker4452]

Hermann should write a book 📕 corporate greed 101

[@jimgeiser1570]

Now THAT'S making a point!

[@archangelstormrider3695]

This is too tearjerking

[@bettyspaghetti4803]

That is why Christopher is my favorite character! Steve was my favorite on Sex and the City.

[@phatcow7222]

Wait a CEO suddenly had emotions and changed that quickly?? Dayummm

[@PjD0150]

For dramatic purposes yes. But I’d like to think he never really grasped how dangerous their products were. Even after everything as they were meeting standards so why do more that costs more when you don’t have too. Herman showed him why he should.

[@stevemcknelly5036]

When Hermann talks, he speaks to your soul.

[@jaredbasic5743]

What made this scene good was the odd few people in the windows above looking out and the other bystanders watching with shocked expressions.

[@poodabran]

Herrmann, you are a savage! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nicoriva854]

Probably one of the best parts of the series right here! A very powerful message!

[@laytonpro8655]

Hermann is a good man

[@daniellasoeira]

Such a strong scene! Chills *-*

[@mylesinayat6586]

i still get goosebumps and shivers listening to this

[@TaylorWilliams1000]

Dang this was a powerful message

[@meggrotte4760]

Thank you for addressing this issue. We haven't had quality in products for I don't know how long.

[@ruggierip]

If this doesn't make you think I don't know what will this was captivating

[@thijs_v_dam3973]

bautiful scene my faforite, how they come up for there lost friend

[@simig6612]

That’s the way to do it! 🙌🏼👌🏼🔥

[@jparker7424]

Herrmann was a Badass in this episode!

[@annadudziak7057]

MADE ME CRY 😭 TOO WELL SAID RESPECT TO ALL

[@anthonydouglas3888]

I watch this the other night😱😱😱

[@yournancheesy2545]

That really touched my heart

[@martinkarkosch803]

Gehört mit zu den besten Szenen aus der Staffel

[@samfisher6606]

One of my favorite scenes of the season.

[@JessEla87]

CHRISTOPHER…..HERMANN ladies and gentlemen. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻