Fire has destroyed some of the most famous outdoor sets of Western film history and crippled one of southern Arizona's biggest tourist attractions - the Old Tucson Movie Studios.
It took fire crews from throughout the Tucson area four hours to contain the blaze, which leveled an estimated one-half to three-quarters of the park."It is a major, major loss," said Tom Hilderbrand, director of the Tucson Film Office.
Flames Monday night engulfed sets where such Hollywood stars as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood out-drew gunslingers or fought off outlaw gangs.
Among facilities destroyed were the studio's sound stage, a Mexican plaza, mission church, courthouse, Kansas Street, a train depot and a fire station.
General Manager Bob Ken-nis-ton said he could give no estimate on possible losses.
Old Tucson "is like a house and a family," Kenniston said. "The loss is immeasurable."
The spectacular blaze, with columns of orange-tinged smoke, was visible for miles around. At its peak, the fire covered an area the size of two city blocks.