Large billboard for commercial to go up in flames

Things are going to explode in downtown Glendale tonight -- literally.

A large billboard used for an Outback Steakhouse commercial at a vacant lot at Orange Street and Wilson Street will go up in flames, according to plans outlined in a permit filed with the city of Glendale.

At approximately 10 p.m., three long, brown cylinders running along the front of the billboard – symbolizing a grill - will be ignited. The flames will then consume the billboard and the grill will fall off, landing on a car, which will result in an explosion, said city spokesman Tom Lorenz.

All of the work will be closely monitored by firefighters, Lorenz said, and police officers will be keeping pedestrians at bay.

Large trucks used by the film company will line up on the lot along Brand Boulevard to block the view of the fire and explosion from the busy street, Lorenz said.

There will also be parking restrictions near the scene.

“This will be a one-shot deal,” Lorenz said.