Additional Coverage:
- Fire breaks out at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT as dark smoke is caught on camera billowing across park (foxbusiness.com)
A fire broke out Saturday evening at EPCOT’s World Showcase in Walt Disney World, Florida, briefly startling guests. Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of black smoke rising above the park.
A Disney official confirmed the fire, which originated in a backstage walk-in cooler at the French Pavilion, was extinguished around 7:20 p.m. local time. No injuries were reported, and no buildings were damaged.
As a precaution, guests were evacuated from the popular Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride. While the French Pavilion reopened before the park’s 9 p.m. closing, the ride remained closed for the rest of the evening.
The incident occurred during a busy period for the park, coinciding with both Spring Break and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.