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Fire Erupts at Epcot Theme Park, Prompting Evacuations

Guests at Walt Disney World’s Epcot were evacuated from a ride due to a fire that occurred during the busy spring break season.

The incident took place on Saturday, March 22, when a walk-in cooler backstage at the France Pavilion ignited, as reported by multiple sources including Fox 35 Orlando, CBS News, and Fox Business. Officials from Walt Disney World confirmed the details of the event.

Visitors aboard Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which is located near the vicinity of the fire, were safely evacuated from the ride. The flames were under control by 7:20 p.m. local time, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This fire broke out during a peak time at the park, coinciding with the Spring Break rush and the International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs until June 2. The specific cause behind the cooler igniting remains unknown at this time.

Both Walt Disney World and Reedy Creek Fire Services, which are responsible for emergency response at the resort, did not provide additional comments regarding the fire when approached for clarification.

Video footage shared on Facebook captured the alarming scene, showcasing flames and thick black smoke rising from the France Pavilion as personnel and guests observed from a distance.

Disney officials ensured that guests were evacuated prior to the fire escalating, according to reports from Fox 35 Orlando.

Employees of Walt Disney World assisted in evacuating all attractions, shops, and dining areas in the affected section, as detailed by Walt Disney World Magic.

While the French Pavilion temporarily closed during the incident, it reopened for guests at 8:20 p.m., and the park subsequently closed at its scheduled time of 9:00 p.m., according to reports from both Fox Business and WDWM.

One onlooker shared insights into the incident via Walt Disney World’s Tips and Tricks Facebook group, stating, “Everyone is physically okay, I believe. We had just gotten on the skyliner at Pop Century to Epcot … and watched it unfold.” They described their concern as the smoke drifted toward the skyliner path, fearing their cabin would fill with smoke.

Source
people.com