Jun 01 2008
BREAKING NEWS: Universal Backlot on fire
People around the country are now waking up on this Sunday morning to find out that just a few hours ago a three alarm fire broke out at the famed Universal Studios backlot. The fire started just before dawn, and there is said to have been an explosion at the time. Filming might have been taking place, but it is not clear at this time just what was being worked on. Some are saying a commercial shoot might be the cause, but this is still being looked into. Details are sketchy and still being gathered at this time, but after a quick search of news sources online, this is what looks to be the state of things.
The New York Street Set and the New England Street Set appear to be completely destroyed. New York Street was the home of the King Kong exhibit that was part of the Universal Studios Tour, and that has been completely destroyed. The New England Set is probably best known for its use as part of the Back to the Future Trilogy. Currently, it is home to the television series Ghost Whisperer. The Dick Tracy building and Brownstone Square have also been destroyed. Word has it that also the Earthquake ride for the tour has been destroyed, and fire is now raging in the Universal Video Vault. However, it is said that this vault only owns copies of the films, and the originals are kept elsewhere. Two other film vaults were threatened but appear to have been saved.
The fire did start on New York Street and quickly moved on. This is not the first time a fire has raged through the Universal Backlot. Another fire occurred back in 1990. The fire is still raging at the time, but it is said to be contained. This is still a breaking news story. I think it is safe to say we lost a little bit of history today. These two sets have been used as backdrops for countless films and television shows over the years. The Universal Studios Theme Park is said to be still opening its doors today, but that is yet to be seen. The MTV Movie Awards are also set for today, and these are taking place at Universal’s Gibson Amphitheater. MTV has said the show will go on.
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I remember hearing about the first fire back in the 90’s. I can’t wait to find out how it started and how much was actually destoryed in the fire.
Wow. I just - I wonder how this will effect one of my favorite shows. I watch Ghost Whisperer all the time. What sets were destroyed in the 90s and did they rebuild (or try to replicate) the destroyed sets?
I watch Ghost Whisperer as well, and there is word yet on what will happen to the series. The Back to the Future set was also damaged in the 1990 fire, and they did rebuild, but from what I’ve heard the courthouse facade wasn’t damaged in that fire. This time it was completely destroyed.
I hope no one got hurt.
Chato B. Stewart
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My friend lives down the block from there and he said it smells absolutely awful over there.