Fire threatens Hollywood studios

The fire was tackled by 150 emergency staff

A brushfire has threatened the iconic Hollywood sign and caused problems at studios after it took hold in the hills above Los Angeles.The 150-acre (60-hectare) blaze started south of the Warner Bros studios complex in Burbank on Friday afternoon.

Smoke drifted into both Warner Bros and Universal studios but the flames were blown away from the area.

City authorities later said that two teenagers had admitted deliberately starting the fire.

A Warner Bros spokesman said they had been asked not to evacuate any staff to avoid congestion but some of the entrances to the site were closed.

Some 150 firefighters and five helicopters battled the flames which were under control by nightfall.

The sign, which has stood since 1923, was not damaged.