A fire at NonStop Studios in Madrid has destroyed the 'Maestros de la Costura' set. The kitchens of 'MasterChef' narrowly escaped damage. No injuries were reported, but the incident disrupts major Spanish TV productions.
A devastating fire broke out this weekend at NonStop Studios in Fuente el Saz del Jarama, Madrid, completely destroying the set of 'Maestros de la Costura' and putting the neighboring 'MasterChef' kitchens at serious risk. The blaze, which erupted around 11:40 on Saturday in Estudio 2, left the iconic sewing competition set in ruins and forced emergency services to deploy significant resources to contain the flames.
The incident unfolded in a 1,000-square-meter industrial building dedicated to audiovisual productions. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already engulfed much of the facility, leaving little chance to save the main set. Offices, dressing rooms, storage areas, and makeup rooms adjacent to the studio were also heavily affected. Despite the scale of the destruction, the studios were unoccupied at the time, and no injuries or medical emergencies were reported.
Ten fire crews from the Comunidad de Madrid, supported by a Special Drone Group, worked to control the fire both inside and outside the building. The use of drones provided crucial aerial images, helping teams to monitor the spread and direct their efforts more effectively. Medical teams from Summa 112 and the Red Cross were present as a precaution but did not need to intervene.
While the set of 'Maestros de la Costura' was reduced to ashes, the kitchens of 'MasterChef', located in an adjoining area, narrowly avoided damage. Firefighters managed to contain the flames before they reached the culinary competition's facilities, allowing production to continue as planned. The incident highlights the vulnerability of major television productions to unexpected disasters, echoing concerns raised in other recent fire emergencies, such as the one reported in Arteixo, where a house fire led to a fatality and prompted a significant emergency response (see more on the Arteixo fire response).
NonStop Studios is known for hosting not only popular TV shows but also acclaimed Spanish films, including 'El Bar' by Álex de la Iglesia and 'Julieta' by Pedro Almodóvar. The loss of Estudio 2 and its adjacent offices marks a significant setback for the complex, which has played a key role in Spain's audiovisual industry.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Early indications suggest a possible electrical fault inside the set, but this has not yet been confirmed. The Guardia Civil is leading the inquiry to clarify the exact origin of the incident.
Spain's television sector relies heavily on large, specialized studio complexes like NonStop Studios for the production of high-profile programs. The destruction of a major set can disrupt filming schedules, impact employment for technical crews, and force producers to seek alternative locations at short notice. While 'MasterChef' avoided direct damage, the event serves as a reminder of the operational risks faced by the entertainment industry. In recent years, Spanish authorities have increased safety requirements for audiovisual facilities, but incidents like this underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and robust emergency planning.
