Fire Breaks Out at EPCOT: What Happened
ORLANDO, Fla. — On Saturday evening, a fire ignited backstage at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park, specifically near the France Pavilion within the World Showcase. Eyewitnesses quickly shared images and videos on social media, depicting significant smoke rising into the sky.
Incident Overview
According to official statements from Walt Disney World representatives, the fire originated from a walk-in cooler located backstage. The incident prompted the evacuation of guests from the attraction “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure,” which is based on the animated feature film.
Timeline of Events
- 7:00 PM: Observations of smoke and flames led to widespread social media posts.
- 7:20 PM: Officials confirmed that the fire had been extinguished.
- EPCOT was scheduled to close for the night at 9:00 PM.
Safety Measures and Impact
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the fire. The timely evacuations ensured the safety of guests at the park during a particularly busy time, coinciding with both Spring Break and the ongoing International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs until June 2.
Location Details
The France Pavilion, part of the World Showcase at EPCOT, situates between the Morocco Pavilion and the United Kingdom Pavilion. This themed area showcases French culture through architecture, cuisine, and attractions.
Social Media Coverage
Numerous attendees at the park documented the event, sharing firsthand accounts alongside dramatic visuals of the smoke. Many of these posts were delivered to local news outlets, including FOX 35 Orlando.
Conclusion
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, specifically regarding what triggered the walk-in cooler to ignite. Additionally, the extent of any damage in the surrounding backstage areas has yet to be assessed.
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