LONDON – A blaze erupted Sunday on the set of the latest James Bond movie west of London, but no injuries were reported, fire officials said.
The fire broke out just before 11:30 a.m. at Pinewood Studios, about 19 miles west of London, officials from the Buckinghamshire Fire Brigade said.
Eight fire engines were called to the set, officials said.
Television footage showed plumes of smoke rising from the building, with the roof of the "Casino Royale" set charred and caved in.
"It is just a complete mess," said Fraser Pearson, spokesman for the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. "I would say the whole building has been damaged by the fire. It is still smoking quite badly. There has definitely been a large blaze here."
Roads near the studio were shut down briefly, but the blaze was contained and no one was hurt, said Vicky Evans, spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police.
The vast stage had been transformed into a replica of Venice, Italy, where part of the film is set. "Casino Royale," due for release in October, will be the first film featuring actor Daniel Craig as agent 007.
Craig was chosen last year to replace Pierce Brosnan as the British super-spy.
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