By Stone Martindale Mar 30, 2007, 23:21 GMT
Like a scene out of a Michael Bay movie, a heavy aerial attack with water-dropping helicopters and ground crews moving in on a fire in the Hollywood Hills that began Friday afternoon near Universal Studios and some Warner Bros. stages.
Smoke rises behind the world famous Hollywood sign on Mount Lee from brush fire in Universal City area near Los Angeles March 30, 2007. REUTERS/Sam Mircovich
KCAl 9 local Los Angeles affiliate reports the fire started in Dark Canyon in the 3600 block of Barham Boulevard near the Oakwood Gardens Apartments complex.
The fire was first reported at 5 acres. It grew to 25 acres by 3 p.m.
Ron Myers of the Los Angeles City Fire Department said the fire is sending a heavy plume of smoke that can be seen in the Valley and Los Angeles basin.
No structures have burned. Fire crews arrived at the location at about 1 p.m.
A security guard told arson investigators that they attempted to contact children seen lighting fireworks in the area. Investigators are questioning two teenagers who were seen in the area, authorities said to KCAl 9.
Authorities said 200 firefighters are on the ground. Helicopter crews also responded to the blaze.
Five helicopters and five engine companies are staging atop Mount Lee, site of the landmark Hollywood sign. The fire was about a half-mile from the sign.
A fire hotspot developed at about 3 p.m. off Forest Lawn Drive near the Warner Bros. studios. Ground crews responded to the spot fire.
Your Talkback on this Story