Fire at EPCOT: Guests Moved to Safety as Smoke Fills the Air
Evacuations Take Place as Fire Looms On
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more details emerge.
Guests strolling through the heart of EPCOT this evening were met with an unexpected and terrifying sight—thick, dark smoke billowing into the sky from the France pavilion. The unmistakable scent of burning filled the air, and the sound of sirens shattered the otherwise serene atmosphere of the park. For many visitors, what began as a dream-like night at Walt Disney World quickly spiraled into an unsettling and dramatic scene. But what exactly is happening in EPCOT’s beloved France pavilion?
Smoke and Sirens: A Fire Breaks Out in Disney World EPCOT’s France Pavilion
Reports are flooding in that a massive fire has erupted in the France pavilion, sending plumes of smoke over the park and alarming guests in the surrounding areas. According to eyewitnesses, the source of the fire appears to be near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the popular attraction that brings guests into the whimsical world of Disney-Pixar’s Ratatouille. The ride, which is currently closed, has become the focal point of speculation as thick smoke continues to rise into the night sky.
As of 7:59 p.m. EST, FOX 35 Orlando has reported the following after reaching out to Disney World officials:
What led to the fire?
What we know:
Disney said the fire broke out Saturday afternoon backstage at EPCOT’s French pavilion.
Authorities confirmed the incident happened when a walk-in cooler caught fire.
Disney leaders said the fire was extinguished quickly, but videos show the smoke is continuing to rise.
Fire at Disney Epcot – @ryanwmsn on X
https://twitter.com/ryanwmsn/status/1903586309681111375
Photos captured from within the pavilion show a large cloud of smoke looming over the area, and guests report hearing the unmistakable wail of approaching fire truck sirens. As of now, it remains unclear what caused the fire, how severe it is, or if any structures or areas within the pavilion have sustained significant damage.
Structure fire at Disney’s EPCOT Park. – @wsvn on X
https://twitter.com/wsvn/status/1903587395078873297
This incident raises many questions—not just about the immediate situation, but about its potential impact on the park moving forward. Could this fire lead to extended closures within the France pavilion? Will Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure be affected long-term? And most importantly, is everyone safe?
A Moment of Uncertainty for EPCOT Fans
Disney did release an official statement regarding the fire, but given the company’s track record of swift responses, it is likely that more details will emerge soon. Safety is always the number one priority at Disney parks, and with first responders already on the scene, efforts to contain the situation are undoubtedly underway.
Fire at Epcot tonight (3/22/25) Footage from the American pavilion Garden Rocks’s stage – @DisneyfiedAsh on X
https://twitter.com/DisneyfiedAsh/status/1903588443445232064
For Disney enthusiasts, the France pavilion is a fan-favorite destination. Whether it’s the allure of its stunning architecture, the world-class cuisine, or the immersive experience of Ratatouille, this area holds a special place in the hearts of many parkgoers. The sudden outbreak of a fire in such an iconic space is unsettling, and fans across social media are already expressing their concern.
Fire Erupts at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, Prompting Evacuation of France Pavilion as Thick Smoke Billows Across Park and BoardWalk, Cause and Extent of Damage Still Unknown – @highimpactnews on X
https://twitter.com/highimpactnews/status/1903592489786986703
Will this fire cause major disruptions in EPCOT’s operations? Could it result in long-term changes to the France pavilion? For now, all we can do is wait and hope that the situation is swiftly brought under control. Thankfully, no one was injured at this time, and everyone appears to be safe as EPCOT resumes normal operations.
Stay Tuned for Updates on Disney World EPCOT’s Fire Situation
As this is a developing story, we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. We are closely monitoring the situation and will report any official statements from Disney or emergency responders. For now, things seem to be under control, and everyone is safe as Disney World and EPCOT resume normal operations.
Stay with Disney Dining for the latest updates on this breaking story.
