Fire Damages Iconic Magic Castle in Hollywood

Investigators are looking at construction as the possible cause of a fire that broke out at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA.

Los Angeles firefighters were called to the scene about 5:28 p.m. Tuesday after reports of flames in the attic.

LAFD reports that building management started evacuating people prior to firefighters arriving on scene. The fire in the building's attic prompted responders to aggressively attack the world-famous landmark. It took crews about 40 minutes to contain the fire. Nearly 70 firefighters were working the blaze.

KTLA reports that employees at the iconic venue "told firefighters that roofers were working on the roof, using blow torches to melt down rubber roofing material and t hat the smoke and possible flames could be related to that operation earlier in the day."

“First arriving companies are in offensive mode, coordinating roof ventilation, fire suppression, and salvage operations on the third floor,” fire officials said.

Iconic landmark

The Magic Castle is an exclusive private club with a performance venue and clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. Guests must be invited or accompanied by a member.

Members of the Academy of Magical Arts have to be actively practicing magic as a career or hobby, and they have to audition before the Academy's membership reviewing committee.

There are nearly 2,500 magician members in the Academy, located around the world.

The castle itself started as a private home built in 1909. Through the decades, it became known as the place to be for L.A.'s social elite; but after the original owners passed away, the mansion was divided into multifamily housing.

Then, it became a home for the elderly and eventually changed into small apartments. In September 1961, the property started its restoration back to a Victorian mansion and the future private clubhouse for magicians—thanks to the Larsen family, their friends, and volunteers.

The Magic Castle officially opened on Jan. 2, 1963.