EPCOT fire sends smoke over Walt Disney World as blaze erupts at France pavilion
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On Saturday evening, a fire broke out at Walt Disney World's EPCOT theme park in Orlando, Florida, originating from a walk-in cooler in the backstage area of the France Pavilion. The blaze was quickly extinguished, resulting in no injuries.
The incident led to the evacuation of guests from the "Remy's Ratatouille Adventure" ride, a popular 4D experience where visitors "join Chef Remy on a daring culinary caper." Videos shared on social media depicted thick black smoke billowing over the France Pavilion, visible from various points within the park.
‼️🇺🇸 Fire Erupts At EPCOT In Walt Disney World, Prompting Evacuation Of France Pavilion As Thick Smoke Billows Across Park And BoardWalk...
A structure fire broke out behind the France pavilion at Disney's EPCOT and could be seen from The BoardWalk.
Something caught fire during… pic.twitter.com/y5TryVL6WcThe fire occurred during EPCOT's International Flower & Garden Festival, a peak period for the park. Despite the disruption, the France Pavilion reopened to guests later that evening, though the "Remy's Ratatouille Adventure" ride remained closed for further inspection.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The quick response from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District fire department ensured minimal impact on park operations.
This incident highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols in large-scale theme parks, especially during high-traffic events. Guests are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety guidelines to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.