Fire erupts at vacant theater in Hollywood

A dramatic fire broke outat a vacant two-story theater in Hollywood, generating massive flames and prompting a response from about 80 firefighters.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the blaze erupted shortly at the former Hollywood Playhouse in the 1400 block of North Las Palmas Avenue. A column of smoke that rose into the air above the scene was visible for miles.No injuries were immediately reported.Officials expressed concern that the walls of the burning structure, which was built in 1925, might collapse.The cause of the fire was under investigation.