Report: Universal Fire Caused by Roofing Crew

The County of Los Angeles reports that the greater alarm fire that occurred on the back lot of Universal Studios Sunday was allegedly the result of roofing repairs underway on a facade on the lot's "New York Alley" section.

According to the County report, the crew maintained a fire watch for one hour after completing hot work on the roof and left for lunch. During that period the fire began and a security guard observed fire and alerted firefighters.

It is speculated that the highly combustible materials of the sets furthered the spread of flames.

Stay tuned.

Major Fire at Universal Studios

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (AP) — A large fire raged on a back lot at Universal Studios on Sunday, devouring several movie sets and the theme park's King Kong attraction, officials said.

Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Daryl Jacobs said at least one building had burned and as many as three blocks of movie facades were destroyed.

Two mock New York and New England streets used for movie making and tourist displays were "a total loss," he said.

The blaze broke out just before dawn on a sound stage at the 400-acre property, fire Capt. Frank Reynoso said. There was at least one explosion.

More than 100 firefighters were trying to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby brush, Reynoso said. One firefighter was hospitalized for unspecified injuries.

Sekuler said the theme park would open Sunday, though the studio tour would not go to the King Kong part of the attraction. He said a commercial shoot was going on when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Update: The MTV Movie Awards is scheduled to be broadcast today from the Gibson Amphitheater at Universal and stars such as Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr. and Edward Norton are slated to appear. MTV has confirmed the awards show will continue as planned.

Further Update: Sister City regulars Zev Yaroslavsky, Tom LeBong and Eliot Sekuler all have something to say about the fire.