Guests queue under clear skies at EPCOT’s famous Spaceship Earth in Disney World, Florida, before a fire incident forced an evacuation at the park
Credit : Shutterstock, Junior Braz
Visitors to Disney World’s EPCOT park were caught off guard when a sudden fire broke out near one of its busiest attractions.
The blaze, which sent thick black smoke drifting above the replica Eiffel Tower, forced the hurried evacuation of the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride.
EPCOT fire triggers ride evacuation and visitor panic
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as guests scrambled for safety. “It all happened so fast,” one park-goer shared on social media. “We saw smoke rising behind the ride and were quickly ushered out.” Emergency crews were on the scene within minutes, and the flames were brought under control shortly after.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Early reports from visitors on the ground suggested a walk-in cooler could have been involved, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
Flower festival disrupted as crews tackle EPCOT fire
The incident couldn’t have come at a worse time, with EPCOT’s popular International Flower and Garden Festival drawing in large crowds. Videos from the scene show festival-goers and families with children rushing to clear the area as emergency services worked quickly to contain the situation.
Disney officials confirmed that the fire started backstage and was put out before it could spread further. The affected area reopened to guests later that same evening after safety checks.
EPCOT’s history of fires resurfaces amid latest blaze
While rare, this isn’t EPCOT’s first brush with fire. Back in 1982, on EPCOT’s opening night, a small electrical fire disrupted the iconic Spaceship Earth ride. And in the 1990s, a kitchen accident sparked a blaze at the Morocco Pavilion, leading to a temporary closure.
Despite these past incidents, EPCOT remains one of Disney’s safest and most beloved parks. Officials are now working to reassure guests as the investigation into this latest scare continues.
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