A fire broke out at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park on March 22, 2025, in the backstage area of the France Pavilion. The fire started in a walk-in cooler, producing thick smoke visible to guests. As a precaution, Disney evacuated visitors from “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure,” but no injuries were reported. Firefighters quickly responded, and the fire was contained within 20 minutes. The France Pavilion reopened later, but the ride remained closed for the day. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Despite the disruption, Disney’s safety protocols ensured a swift and effective response.
Incident Details
The fire started around 7 p.m. in a walk-in cooler located behind the France Pavilion. This area is part of EPCOT’s World Showcase,
which features pavilions representing various countries.
The glint resulted in a dark plume of smoke that was visible to park
guests and people in the surrounding area.
Guest Evacuations and Safety Measures
As a precaution, guests were evacuated from “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure,” a popular ride in the France Pavilion.
Disney officials
confirmed that all visitors were securely escorted from the area, and no injuries were reported.
Fire Response and Containment
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District fire department responded promptly to the incident. The fire was quickly extinguished,
and the situation was under control by approximately 7:20 p.m.
Impact on Park Operations
Following the incident, the France Pavilion reopened to guests later in the evening. However, “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure”
remained closed for the rest of the day.
The fire occurred during EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, a popular
event attracting numerous visitors.
Cause of the Fire
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initial reports allude that the blaze originated from a walk-in cooler in the backstage area of the France Pavilion.
Guest Reactions
Many park guests captured photos and videos of the smoke, sharing them on social media platforms. These posts showed the extent of the smoke and the fast response by Disney staff and emergency services.
Historical Context
While incidents like this are rare at Disney parks, they are not unprecedented. For example, in 1985, a fire occurred on the Mark IV monorail at Walt Disney World, leading to the implementation of enhanced safety measures.
Conclusion
The swift response by Disney staff and emergency services ensured the safety of all guests and minimized disruptions to park operations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent security protocols in large entertainment venues.