Set for ‘Westworld’ and Other Shows Destoryed by Woolsey Fire

The continued destruction caused by the Woolsey Fire now includes the famed Paramount Ranch, which has served as a set for numerous Hollywood movies, including the recent hit HBO series Westworld. The National Park Service, which operates the site, took to social media to announce the ranch had been destroyed.

Sad for fans of @WestworldHBO and shows like Dr Quinn Medicine Woman, the Paramount Ranch western town movie set has burned to the ground in the Woolsey Fire @CBSLA #westworld #Woolseyfire pic.twitter.com/DhZWaGbr6g

— John Schreiber (@johnschreiber) November 9, 2018

“We are sorry to share the news that the #Woolsey Fire has burned Western Town at #Paramount Ranch in Agoura.” The post goes on to say that several areas of the ranch continue to be inaccessible, and most of the structures that were built for the filming of Westworld have been destroyed.

HBO representatives said in a statement “Westworld’ is not currently in production, and as the area has been evacuated, we do not yet know the extent of the damage to any structures remaining there. Most importantly, our thoughts go out to all those affected by these horrible fires.”

Paramount Ranch was first developed in 1927, after Paramount Pictures purchased the lot for use in films, including The Adventures of Marco Polo (1938). By the 1950’s, the ranch was sold to William Hertz, who built and developed a permanent western town that would double as a popular tourist destination as well as the location for further films. Now, under the operation of the National Park Service, the ranch is little but a smoldering remain of its former self.

Evan Rachel Wood, a star in Westworld, took to Twitter to say “This is eerie. So sad for the history lost.”

The Woolsey Fire continues to burn throughout the northwest corner of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. The entire city of Malibu remains under a mandatory evacuation, as firefighters struggle to contain the spread of the fire due to strong Santa Ana winds.

In addition to the ranch, some celebrities have taken to Twitter, showing their homes have been claimed by the fires. Actor Gerard Butler tweeted a photo of his burned-out Malibu home but expressed gratitude for the thousands of firefighters who continue to risk their lives to fight the spread of the Woolsey fire.

Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD. If you can, support these brave men and women at https://t.co/ei7c7F7cZx. pic.twitter.com/AcBcLtKmDU

— Gerard Butler (@GerardButler) November 11, 2018

As of Sunday night, the fire had spread to 85,500 acres and was only 15% contained. Officials say the fire has so far destroyed 179 structures, with another 57,000 threatened by encroaching flames.