More than 400 firefighters worked to put out the flames at the Hollywood, Universal Studios backlot, which destroyed various soundstages and a streetscape depicting New York City.

The cause of fire that is under investigation has claimed tens of millions in damage including completely destroying the King Kong exhibit, "Back to the Future," "The War of the Worlds," "Ben-Hur" and "Psycho movie sets, as well as the set of "Desperate Housewives."

[source: theage]

Today around 11am the roof of the Monte Carlo hotel-casino was on fire.

Hotel guests and gamblers fled the building , but no injuries were reported and the fire was contained, Clark County Fire Chief Steve Smith said.

[USAtoday]

The Los Angeles Times reports that the Malibu fires span 4,500-acres, driven by 50-mph winds, engulfs homes in Corral and Latigo canyons and forces the evacuation of thousands. A small fire in Ramona in San Diego County is quickly controlled, forcing the evaluation of 10,000 to 14,000 people.

By mid-afternoon the blaze was 25% contained. Firefighters were making a stand near Kanan Dume Road to stop the fire's northwestward march through steep, heavy brush.