Fire Destroys Portions of Universal Studios Back Lot

A massive fire broke out on the Universal Studios back lot early yesterday morning and burned for most of the day as firefighters battled it. According to The Los Angeles Times, studio streetscapes of New York and New England were destroyed, along with the King Kong exhibit, the Back to the Future set, a full sound stage, and several video vaults. The equivalent of two city blocks burned in the blaze. The theme park did not open to guests, despite early optimism that it could open late.

The fire had no effect on the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, and the 17th annual MTV Movie Awards were broadcast live last night as planned.