About the Fire at Universal Studios Hollywood

On June 1, 2008, an early morning fire broke out at Universal Studios in Universal City, California. The fire destroyed the New York Street and the King Kong attractions, according to the studio.

Cause of Fire

The fire was caused by roofing work being done on a facade in the backlot. It was the backlot only that was affected by the fire and none of the rides or shows were impacted, according to Universal Studios. The fire did cause some delays and closings of attractions.

Sets destroyed

The fire destroyed less than 1 percent of the studio's 391 acres. The courthouse on the Courthouse Square set was saved, according to the studio.

Films destroyed

In all, 40,00 to 50,000 digital video and films were destroyed and $50 million in damage was done to the studio.

Low water pressure

According to several media reports, firefighting efforts were hampered by low water pressure at the site of the fire.

1967 fire

A fire on May 15, 1967, destroyed the Little Europe area alone with the Denver and Laramie street sets and caused $1 million damage.

References

• Bloomberg
• Universal Studios Hollywood