There was a fire near the French Pavilion at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT in Florida on Saturday night, which scared people who were there. People in the park and people on social media were both interested in the thick, black smoke that rose from the scene. Even though the fire was put out quickly, many people were left thinking what caused it and what would happen next.
What happened when the EPCOT fire broke out?
Around 7 p.m. local time, people at EPCOT started to see black clouds of smoke rising above the park. People who were there said they could smell things that were on fire and hear emergency bells going off all over the French Pavilion area. The Disney emergency reaction team and the local fire departments got there quickly.
Videos shared on social media showed fires close to the backstage area, which made things very chaotic and confusing for people in the park. Luckily, Disney’s good safety plans made sure that the fire was quickly put out.
Where did the fire begin?
The fire started in an area behind the French Pavilion, behind the stage. Officials from Disney say that the fire started in a walk-in cooler that caught on fire out of the blue. The cooler that held food that went bad quickly for the pavilion’s food service caught fire, sending smoke across the park. No houses that face guests were damaged.
What Happens to EPCOT Guests
As a safety measure, people who were near the French Pavilion were briefly asked to leave. A lot of park tourists said they heard announcements over the PA system telling them to leave the affected area. The fire caused some short-term problems, but the park stayed open.
Eyewitness accounts and videos from social media
There were a lot of photos and videos of the fire on social media sites very quickly. People in the park sent each other real-time reports that showed the black smoke rising over EPCOT’s famous Spaceship Earth. Some tourists said they were nervous, but they praised the Disney staff for acting quickly and well.
Timeline of the Incident
- 7:00 PM: Smoke first spotted near the French Pavilion.
- 7:10 PM: Emergency crews arrive on the scene.
- 7:20 PM: The fire is extinguished.
- 8:00 PM: French Pavilion reopens, but Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride remains closed.
How did they put out the fire at EPCOT?
Together with firefighters from the area, Disney’s on-site emergency reaction team quickly put out the fire. Fire pumps and fire extinguishers were used to put out the fire. Within 20 minutes, the fire was completely out, stopping any more damage.
Damage Assessment and What Happened Next
Thanks to the quick reaction, there was no major damage to the building. The damaged walk-in cooler was deemed useless and was set to be fixed. Soon after, the French Pavilion reopened, but Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure stayed closed so that it could be inspected for safety reasons.
Did anyone get hurt?
There were no reports of accidents. Disney stated that all staff and guests were safely taken away from the area of the fire.
Getting Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Ride out of the building
As a safety step, Disney staff took people out of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The ride, which is based on the popular Pixar movie and is in 4D, was closed for a short time.
What did Disney do about the fire?
Disney’s answer was quick and well-planned. Right away, fire safety rules were put into place, and park staff made sure guests were safe by leading them away from the area.
What made the fire at EPCOT happen?
A failure in a walk-in cooler led to the fire. It got too hot and caught on fire. The police said there was no foul play.
How Disney World Keeps Kids Safe Around Fire
Disney World has strict rules about fire safety, which include regular checks, fire drills, and training on how to handle an emergency. Their readiness was clear from how quickly they put out the fire.
Fires that have happened at Disney Parks in the Past
Big fires don’t happen very often at Disney parks, but smaller ones have happened. One important event was the fire at Disneyland’s Small World ride in 2014.
What Guests Thought During the Fire
People who were there said it was scary, but they were comforted by how well Disney handled the evacuation. A lot of people liked how efficient the staff was.
How Disney Made Sure Guests Were Safe
The park staff was praised for how well they communicated and planned the evacuation, which kept all guests safe.
What Happened in the Park After the Fire
Things went back to normal at EPCOT soon after the fire was put out, but Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure stayed closed.
Effects on Rides and Attractions at Epcot
All other activities were fine except for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. People kept having fun at the park’s evening events.
Disney’s Official Words
Disney stated that the fire was put out quickly and stressed that they care about the safety of their guests.
Local Fire Department’s Involvement
Local fire departments assisted Disney’s emergency team in containing the fire, showcasing their rapid response capabilities.
Public Reaction on Social Media
While many guests expressed concern, the majority praised Disney’s swift handling of the situation.
Tips for Staying Safe During Theme Park Emergencies
- Follow staff instructions immediately.
- Move away from affected areas.
- Stay calm and alert.
What If the Fire Had Spread?
Had the fire spread, it could have led to more extensive evacuations and potential ride closures.
