Universal Studios struck by raging fire

LOS ANGELES, Sunday (AFP) - A section of Hollywood's famed Universal Studios was destroyed today by a raging fire that required helicopters and hundreds of firefighters to contain, officials here said.

The blaze on Universal City's backlot destroyed various soundstages and a streetscape depicting New York City, causing tens of millions of dollars worth of damage but no known injuries.

The first reports of fire came at 4:45 am (1145 GMT), said Fire Department Inspector Darryl Jacobs.

Several helicopters dropped water on the blaze early Sunday, while firefighters fought to keep the the fire from Universal's film vault, a repository of valuable Hollywood film footage.

Firefighters were also trying to keep the blaze from spreading eastward to the bucolic Los Angeles retreat Griffith Park, where officials feared thick brush and vegetation could further feed the conflagration.