A fire broke out at Disney World’s Epcot theme park on Saturday evening, sending black smoke billowing into the sky near the France pavilion. The blaze, which started inside a walk-in cooler located in a backstage area, was quickly extinguished before it could spread further.
Park guests aboard the Skyliner attraction caught dramatic footage of the fire, showing thick black smoke and orange flames rising from an area between Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the walkways leading into the Morocco pavilion. In the video, an onlooker can be heard exclaiming, “Oh my God, it’s right there!” as the fire burned in an employees-only section not accessible to guests.
Fire at Disney Epcot pic.twitter.com/PRhRSiaVHD
— Ryan (@ryanwmsn) March 22, 2025
Additional videos circulating online captured clouds of smoke visible from the Boardwalk area outside Epcot’s gates. Entertainment Weekly confirmed that the walk-in cooler was the source of the blaze, though officials have yet to release further details about the cause.
A fire at EPCOT was seen from The BoardWalk, we currently do not have any further details. pic.twitter.com/ok9WE61CyD
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) March 22, 2025
Representatives for Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando Fire Department have been contacted for further information. While the incident was alarming, the quick response ensured that no major damage was done to guest areas within the park.
This isn’t the first time a fire has broken out at a Disney theme park. In early 2023, the iconic Maleficent dragon animatronic at Disneyland’s Fantasmic! show caught fire, leading to the removal of pyrotechnic effects from the production.
Epcot is one of four major theme parks at Walt Disney World, having opened as the second park at the resort following Magic Kingdom in 1982. It was later joined by Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1989 and Animal Kingdom in 1998. Known for its international pavilions and futuristic attractions, Epcot continues to be a major draw for Disney fans worldwide.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Entertainment Weekly
