Magic Castle fire forces club to close for Halloween

Magic Castle will be closed for Halloween as a result of the fire that struck the complex Monday, according to an update on the club's website. The site said details about reopening would be provided as soon as the damage could be assessed.

The Comedy Store tweeted an invitation to the Magic Castle, offering to help the club relocate its Halloween gala for "no charge." No one at Magic Castle could be reached to discuss the offer and Comedy Store officials said they had not yet received a response.

"These are our friends," said Alf Lamont, vice president of marketing at the Comedy Store. "I love the Magic Castle, it's a landmark. Nobody wants to see them put out."

On its Twitter account, Magic Castle sent a message to followers thanking them "for all for your concern, support & understanding. This community is a tight-knit one & we can feel the love from around the world."

They also sent a thank you to the Los Angeles Fire Department and the 120 firefighters who responded "so quickly."

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-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Firefighters battle blaze at Magic Castle on Monday. Credit: KTLA-TV