Fire Breaks Out at Walt Disney World's Epcot, Forcing Evacuations

Walt Disney World is known as the "happiest place on Earth", but guests were forced to evacuate this weekend after a fire broke out at one of the parks.

Fire at Epcot

On March 22, a small fire erupted in the France Pavilion of Epcot, one of the park's popular attractions, disrupting the magical atmosphere Disney is known for.

The fire broke out a backstage area, in a walk-in cooler, so no public was close by. While the fire was contained to this non-public space, it still posed a potential risk to park guests and staff. It was a busy weekend for Disney World, being spring break and Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival.

Nearby attractions had to be evacuated. The most affected ride was Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, a relatively new addition to the France Pavilion that opened in October 2021. This 4D trackless dark ride, based on the Pixar movie "Ratatouille," had to be temporarily closed and its riders safely evacuated.

Local firefighters were called to the scene. They arrived quickly and worked to extinguish the fire, which was under control within about an hour, preventing any potential spread to other areas of the park. The fire was extinguished around 7:20pm, and the French pavilion was soon reopened at 8:20pm.

No Injuries Reported

Fortunately, no injuries were reported thanks to the quick thinking and well-coordinated efforts of both Disney staff and local emergency responders. Their priority was ensuring the safety of all park guests and employees, which they managed to do successfully.

The France Pavilion, part of Epcot's World Showcase, is a popular area that recreates the charm of a Parisian neighborhood. It features French-inspired architecture, dining options, and attractions. While the fire forced a temporary closure of this area, Disney's efficient management meant that the disruption was kept to a minimum.

By later that evening, the France Pavilion was reopened to visitors.

One park guest, who was riding the Disney Skyliner gondola system at the time, reported seeing smoke rising from the area. However, they also noted that everything seemed under control, and people appeared to be calm and safe.

Cause of Fire Under Investigation

The cause of the fire in the walk-in cooler is still under investigation. Disney officials are working closely with local authorities to determine what led to it.

Despite the brief disruption, the fire did not significantly impact the overall experience for most park visitors. Epcot, known for its futuristic technology exhibits and cultural showcases, continued to operate its other attractions without interruption.