CJS Film Studios: A Legacy Consumed by Flames
JULY 14, 2023
CJS Film Studios, a location steeped in cinematic history, was sadly ravished by a blaze in the early dawn of a Tuesday morning.
The Unfortunate Event: Fire at CJS Film Studios
The infamous CJS Film Studios, nestled near 103rd Avenue and Encanto Boulevard, became the unfortunate victim of a devastating fire. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to local fire department representatives. The property was severely engulfed, making it a challenging task for the emergency services to combat the flames.
Steve Ellsworth, Deputy Avondale Fire Chief, described the scene as "well involved".
The Studio's Origins and Accomplishments
CJS Film Studios was established in the mid-1980s by C.J. Smith Jr. The studio contributed significantly to the film industry, producing popular films such as "The Vagrant" in 1992 and "Hidden Palms" in 2007. The studios comprised five sound stages, primarily used for western films, marking a unique offering in the industry.
The Struggle Against the Elements
The fire services faced a significant struggle against the elements, with the blaze proving challenging to control. The location of the studio, behind a strip mall and away from direct road access, added to the difficulties faced by the firefighters. The lack of nearby fire hydrants forced the crews to lay out long supply lines for water, further complicating the extinguishing efforts.
Aftermath and Damages
While it was difficult to estimate the extent of the damage due to the destruction of original buildings and the relocation of others, it was apparent that the studio, which had been vacant for several years, was substantially burned. However, the strip mall located in front of the studio was fortunate to escape damage from the fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported at the scene.
Investigation Into The Cause
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire crews had left the scene by 8:30 a.m. once the blaze was successfully extinguished.
A Reminder of the Past
The CJS Film Studios will always serve as a reminder of a bygone era. Despite the unfortunate circumstances leading to its end, the legacy of the studio will live on, captured in the many films and commercials it produced over the years.
The CJS Film Studios, despite their untimely end, will forever remain a significant part of cinematic history.
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