Tyler Perry thanks firefighters, who are still investigating studio blaze
Director Tyler Perry thanked firefighters for saving his studio in Atlanta on Tuesday night.
Tyler Perry thanked Atlanta firefighters today for their efforts dousing a blaze that’s still under investigation, CNN reported.
The four-alarm fire at Tyler Perry Studios broke out about just before midnight Tuesday.
About 100 firefighters responded, and worked through the night to extinguish hot spots after quickly stopping the flames.
“Mr. Perry wishes to express his heartfelt thanks to the Atlanta fire department for their professionalism in their quick response and limiting the damage,” a studio statement said.
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The damage was limited to a back facade, the New York Daily News reported.
Concrete masonry helped control the fire’s spread.
“We are grateful that there were no injuries, and that 99 percent of the damage is limited to (one) backlot facade,” the statement said.
Witnesses described flames stretching high into the air, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Residents from a nearby seniors complex were told to move cars parked next to the lot so fire trucks could access the 200,000-square-foot studio.
“It was all in flames,” Dorothy Ware told the AJC. “The building started popping. Whatever the fire was hitting, was blowing up. There were plenty of sparks coming over here where we are.”
Perry is one of Hollywood's most successful directors, producers and actors.
His movies include Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Meet the Browns, I Can Do Bad All By Myself and the Madea franchise, which continues June 29 with Madea's Witness Protection.
Forbes magazine said he earned $130 million in 2010, most among Hollywood's leading men.
His sprawling movie studio includes sound stages, sets, pond, theater, chapel, offices and a gym.
Perry has hosted a fundraiser for President Barack Obama there.
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