A fire broke out in the building hosting the San Diego Comic-Con activation for the HBO series “The Penguin,” prompting the venue to be evacuated Friday evening. The alarm was raised in the middle of the press preview for the activation. Members of the media, including reporters from Varietywere escorted out by officials around 7:30 p.m. Update: The activation is now active again. There were no injuries.
A San Diego Police Department representative confirmed that a three-alarm fire was reported at the location at 5th Avenue and E Street in the city’s downtown area. The fire started in a Brazilian steakhouse that was also located in the building. Authorities remain on site to ventilate the building. No injuries were reported as of 8:30 PM local time.
The multi-level installation for “The Penguin” included an expansive, immersive experience that placed attendees in the seedy and cavernous criminal hangout known as the Iceberg Lounge, first seen in the 2022 film “The Batman.” The HBO crime series is a spin-off of the Matt Reeves-directed blockbuster, with Colin Farrell reprising the role of evil gangster Oswald Cobblepot. The Comic-Con activation represents the most lavish promotion yet for the DC Comics series.
Several actors involved in the activation of “The Penguin” were also evacuated from the building and escorted out by fire and police officials.
At least four fire trucks rushed to the scene within minutes and San Diego police cleared the area.
Jeffrey Vega