A fire broke out Saturday evening at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park in Orlando, Florida. The blaze originated from a walk-in cooler in the backstage area of the France Pavilion and was quickly extinguished; no injuries were reported.
The incident led to the evacuation of guests from the “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” ride, a popular 4D experience where visitors “join Chef Remy on a daring culinary caper.” Videos on social media showed thick black smoke billowing over the France Pavilion, visible from various points within the park.
❗️🏰🇺🇲 – A fire broke out backstage at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park, specifically behind the French Pavilion in the World Showcase.
The blaze, which originated in a walk-in cooler, was extinguished by the fire department around 7:20 p.m.
No injuries were reported,… pic.twitter.com/9moGTsacZp
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) March 23, 2025Minimal Disruption During Peak Festival
The fire occurred during EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, one of the park’s busiest periods. Despite the disruption, the France Pavilion reopened to guests later that evening. However, the “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” ride remained closed for further inspection.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District fire department responded swiftly, ensuring minimal impact on park operations. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
I have official confirmation from Disney that the fire next to the France pavilion at EPCOT has been safely extinguished, and no injuries were reported. Everyone is safe. pic.twitter.com/mRDVmGIiOU
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) March 22, 2025Importance of Safety Protocols
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols in large-scale theme parks, especially during high-traffic events. Disney World is known for its rigorous safety measures, which likely contributed to the quick containment of the fire.
Guests are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow all safety guidelines, and report any concerns to park staff to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
