This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Universal Backlot Fire Destroys Buildings and Facades

Photo of pre-fire facades by Peggy Archer/LAist
According to the LA City Fire Department, this morning's fire started around 5 am in a sound stage (while someone was shooting), and spread to parts of the backlot before being contained by LA firefighters.
Although the TV news weren't certain exactly what was burned, looking at the footage I can say with a fair amount of certainty that a good chunk of the New York Street facades have burned to the ground.
For those of you who've haven't been inside the facades on the backlots (and the facades look the same on all the lots), they look like this:

Photo by Peggy Archer/LAist

Photo by Peggy Archer/LAist
They're nothing but wood frames with a century's worth of junk, rotten fabric (hanging in the windows) and dust inside. Most of the wood's really old and dried out, too, so I'm kind of surprised (in a good way) that the firefighters have gotten the fire contained to one building as quickly as they have.
According to a Universal spokesperson, the shopping area and theme park are in no danger, and the studio tour will still be operating today.
-
Cruise off the highway and hit locally-known spots for some tasty bites.
-
Fentanyl and other drugs fuel record deaths among people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. From 2019 to 2021, deaths jumped 70% to more than 2,200 in a single year.
-
This fungi isn’t a “fun guy.” Here’s what to do if you spot or suspect mold in your home.
-
Donald Trump was a fading TV presence when the WGA strike put a dent in network schedules.
-
Edward Bronstein died in March 2020 while officers were forcibly taking a blood sample after his detention.
-
A hike can be a beautiful backdrop as you build your connection with someone.