Large fire devours movie sets at Universal Studios

Universal City, California: A massive fire raged on a back lot at Universal Studios on Sunday, devouring several movie sets, including mock New York and New England streets.

There were no immediate reports of injuries. More than 100 firefighters were trying to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby brush.

Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Daryl Jacobs said at least one building had burned and as many as three blocks of movie facades were destroyed. Though the fire was contained, it was still raging, Jacobs said.

"The facades are constructed of heavy timber and they tend to burn quite freely," he said.

The blaze broke out just before dawn on a sound stage. There was at least one explosion. A thick column of smoke rose thousands of feet into the air. For a time, firefighting helicopters swept in to drop water.

Universal Studios is located nine miles north of downtown Los Angeles that has thrill rides and a back lot where movies and television shows are filmed.