/ 1 June 2008

Large fire at Universal Studios in Los Angeles

Hundreds of firefighters were battling a large blaze that broke out on Sunday on a back lot at Universal Studios, site of movie and television production, a spokesperson for a neighbouring fire department said.

Burbank firefighter David Ortiz said that about 200 firefighters and two helicopters had been deployed to assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department. No injuries were reported.

A spokesperson for the LA County Fire Department was not immediately available, but Captain Frank Reynoso told CNN that at least one explosion had been heard at the scene.

Universal Studios, operated by NBC Universal, is a unit of General Electric.

Universal Studios Hollywood spans hundreds of acres and includes a theme park and a working movie and television back lot. — Reuters