Tyler Perry is relieved that the fire that hit his multi-million dollar studio was not worse then it was. The 4-alarm fire was limited to one building, and Tyler Perry seems poised to re-build.
In a statement below Perry makes no mention of what started the blaze, and it appears that the investigation is on-going.
Atlanta firefighters responded immediately to a fire which damaged the backlot façade of one of the buildings at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. We are grateful that there were no injuries, and that 99 percent of the damage is limited to the backlot facade. Mr. Perry wishes to express his heartfelt thanks to the Atlanta fire department for their professionalism in their quick response and limiting the damage.
The flames were extinguished within an hour, many firefighters remained for several hours putting out hot spots. Several units were still there around midnight conducting a damage assessment, including salvage and overhaul.
Perry was at his Continental Colony Parkway complex Tuesday night and spoke with Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran, but did not talk to reporters gathered nearby, Bundrige said. Employees leaving the studio grounds after the fire told reporters they were instructed not to speak to the media.
One witness present at the fire described the scene. “It was all in flames,” a near-by resident said. “The building started popping. Whatever the fire was hitting, was blowing up. There were plenty of sparks coming over here where we are.” “The flames shot as high as the nearby trees, roughly six stories in height.”
The 200,000-square foot studio, which opened in 2008, is home to sets, sound stages and a 400-seat theater. In March, Perry hosted a fundraiser for President Barack Obama at the studio.
Perry has worked as director, writer, producer, actor and playwright. His film credits include “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” “Meet the Browns” and “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” His latest movie, “Madea’s Witness Protection,” is scheduled to open June 29.
