Fire Damages Universal Studios in Los Angeles

Intense but contained blaze will not affect Sunday's live broadcast of 2008 MTV Movie Awards

By Robert Marich -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/1/2008 8:14:00 AM MT

An intense but contained fire broke out early Sunday at Universal Studios in the Los Angeles area, reportedly burning the equivalent of three blocks of production facilities. The sprawling, 415-acre studio lot owned by NBC Universal houses production facilities, theme park, live event theater, movie theater, hotels and executive offices.

The fire reportedly damaged a video vault and a King Kong attraction, but has not affected the Gibson Ampitheatre, where the 2008 MTV Movie Awards is scheduled to be broadcast live Sunday afternoon.

Since acquiring NBCU in 2003, parent General Electric has pursued aggressive real-estate development of the studio facility, which is home for production of theatrical films and big-budget scripted TV programs. This includes plans to eventually move NBC television production and executive offices from its smaller 34-acre Burbank facility nearby.

Despite earlier statements that the theme park would open as planned, it remained closed Sunday. The fire generated much smoke, because it is believed to have been fueled by wood timber and other flammable materials that are used to construct building facades in the backlot.

Los Angeles authorities did not comment immediately on the cause of the fire, though the possibility of arson is being investigated.