Guard Pleads Not Guilty in Universal Studios Fire

A security guard charged with starting the Election Day fire that swept through the Universal Studios back lot in Universal City, causing $25 million in damage, pleaded not guilty Thursday.

After Michael J. Huston’s arraignment in Los Angeles Municipal Court, a prosecutor said investigators have collected physical evidence and witnesses that tie the suspect to the arson fire, but the motive remains unclear.

The Nov. 6 fire damaged or destroyed about 20% of the sprawling complex’s exterior sets. It also damaged some of the attractions on Universal’s studio tour.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Jane Allison Blissert said Thursday that the fire was started with an open flame from a match or lighter in a storage room behind one of the facades on the studio’s New York Street. When the fire was reported about 7:30 p.m., Huston, 40, of Tujunga, was on duty as a security guard on the New York Street set.