Halloween fire damages historic Magic Castle in Hollywood (VIDEO)
Firefighters at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California October 31, 2011. An attic fire broke out at the Magic Castle but firefighters doused the flames and no one was hurt. The cause of the blaze was under investigation.
More than 100 firefighters were dispatched to douse a fire that broke out in the attic of the famous Magic Castle in the Hollywood Hills, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Fire crews told the LA Times that there might be significant water damage to the historic private club for the Academy of Magical Arts, which on its website calls itself a non-profit social order "devoted to the advancement of magic."
No immediate cause was given for the Halloween eve blaze, but a source told The Times that maintenance had been done in the building, at 7001 W. Franklin Ave., Monday morning.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze in just over an hour, said Matt Spence of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Twitter and TV coverage showed LAFD personnel on ladders and on the roof of the Magic Castle.
The Academy website reads:
The Magic Castle began its life as a private home built in 1909 by banker and real estate magnate Rollin B. Lane. Mr. Lane owned much of what is now Hollywood, dreaming of turning his land into orange groves, farms and ranches.
But a severe drought brought an end to his dreams and orange blossoms never filled the valley.
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