Dennis RomeroUpdated at the bottom with the castle reopening tonight. First posted at 12:56 p.m. on Oct. 31
A blaze erupted at the “world famous” Magic Castle in Hollywood today.
Although it was said to have started in an attic shortly before 12:45 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Matt Spence tweeted that ” … additional resources requested” to fight the flames at the 2 (-plus) story building.
The Magic Castle is at 7001 Franklin Ave.
The castle is home to magic shows and even classes. We would imagine Halloween is normally a huge night for the venue that lies below Yamashiro restaurant.
The 1909 Victorian structure, a onetime home, is said to have opened its doors as the Magic Castle in 1963.
Owners call it a “private clubhouse.” According to the venue's website “the Castle has become the world-famous 'home' to the Academy of Magical Arts, Inc.and their invited guests.”
Credit: @MagicCastle
[Update]: At 1:36 p.m. Spence stated that the fire was almost knocked down. But not before 120 firefighters had arrived at the castle to take care of what he called a “stubborn fire” in the attic and possibly the walls.
The Magic Castle's own Twitter page indicated that indeed “Halloween is always one of our busiest weekends” and that ” … our staff has evacuated the building.”
Followers of the feed noted that it was “Inferno Week” — pointing to a theme, not the actual fire — at the castle.
[Added]: The castle tweeted on Friday that “Inferno at the Castle has gotten off to a spooktacular” start.
[Update No. 2]: It's officially out. Spence said it took firefighters 1 hour, 5 minutes to strangle the stubborn thing.
[Update No. 3]: The castle tweeted that “officially we will be closed tonight. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
Only on Halloween.; Credit: @nickwalsh
[Update No. 4]: The castle announced on its Facebook page that it will have a “soft reopening” this weekend, starting tonight, for members only.
Responding to requests by members, castle folks have started an “inferno fund” to help out with repair costs. Check it out here.
[@dennisjromero/djromero@laweekly.com]
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