Monday, October 31, 2011

Magic Castle fire: Officials assess damage to historic venue


Magic Castle fire Oct 31 2011

Fire officials are trying assess the damage after a greater-alarm fire ripped through the famed Magic Castle in the Hollywood Hills on Monday.

Fire crews said the blaze was contained largely to the attic and walls of the historic venue but that there might be significant water damage.

There is no immediate cause for the blaze, but one source told The Times that maintenance had been done in the building Monday morning.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, a fire was reported in the attic of the building at 7001 W. Franklin Avenue after noon. An LAFD spokesman described it as a greater-alarm fire and said crews were on the scene trying to put it out.

Several photos on Twitter and television coverage showed LAFD personnel on ladders and on the roof of the Magic Castle working on the blaze.

No injuries were reported.