BREAKING NEWS: Fire Breaks Out at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, Sending Thick Black Smoke Across the Park, Officials Say It’s Under Control

Fire Breaks Out at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, Sending Smoke Across Park

On the evening of Saturday, March 22, 2025, a fire broke out at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park in Orlando, Florida, casting a dramatic plume of dark smoke over the popular attraction. The incident, which occurred backstage near the France Pavilion in the park’s World Showcase area, startled guests and prompted swift action from park officials and emergency responders. While the blaze was quickly contained, it left visitors capturing the chaotic scene on camera, with videos and photos flooding social media platforms.

The fire reportedly originated in a walk-in cooler located in a staff-only area behind the France Pavilion, a section of EPCOT known for its immersive cultural experiences and the popular “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” ride. According to a Walt Disney World spokesperson, the fire ignited shortly before 7:00 p.m. local time and was fully extinguished by approximately 7:20 p.m. No injuries were reported, and the blaze was confined to the backstage area, sparing guest-accessible structures from damage. However, as a precautionary measure, the nearby Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride was evacuated, temporarily halting one of EPCOT’s signature attractions.

Guests at the park and in surrounding areas, including those riding the Skyliner gondolas and visiting the nearby Disney BoardWalk, witnessed thick black smoke rising into the sky. “Oh my God, it’s right there!” exclaimed one onlooker in a widely shared video, capturing the moment flames briefly flared beneath the ominous cloud. The striking visuals contrasted sharply with the festive atmosphere of EPCOT’s ongoing International Flower & Garden Festival, a springtime event that draws large crowds through June 2, 2025. The timing of the fire, coinciding with both the festival and Florida’s busy Spring Break season, amplified its visibility and impact.

Disney officials acted quickly to address the situation, with Cast Members evacuating affected areas and firefighters responding to extinguish the blaze. By 8:20 p.m., the France Pavilion began reopening to guests, though some attractions, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, remained closed for cleanup and safety checks. “Guest safety is our top priority,” a Disney spokesperson stated, emphasizing the efficiency of the response and the lack of harm to visitors or staff.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial reports point to the walk-in cooler as the source. Such incidents are rare at Disney parks, but they are not unprecedented. In 2023, the Maleficent dragon figure at Disneyland in California caught fire during a “Fantasmic!” performance, highlighting the challenges of maintaining safety amid complex theme park operations. At EPCOT, the swift containment of the blaze suggests that Disney’s safety protocols were effective in preventing a more serious outcome.

For many guests, the fire added an unexpected twist to their Disney experience. Social media posts ranged from concern to relief as updates confirmed the situation was under control. The incident also sparked broader questions about safety measures at entertainment venues, particularly during peak seasons when parks operate at high capacity. Disney has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a secure environment, a promise that will likely be tested as the investigation unfolds and visitors reflect on the day’s events.

As EPCOT resumes normal operations, the fire serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of even the most meticulously managed destinations. For now, the park’s magic endures, though the scent of smoke may linger in the memories of those who witnessed the dramatic scene unfold.