Fire breaks out at Disney World due to walk-in cooler incident

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, a fire broke out at the Epcot theme park in Walt Disney World, located in the United States. The incident was caused by a walk-in cooler that caught fire in a backstage area behind the France Pavilion, part of the World Showcase. The fire created a significant smoke plume, which was noticeable across the amusement park and captured in numerous photos and videos shared on social media. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, as the fire department quickly extinguished the flames. The cooler is located in a less accessible area, preventing a major disaster and allowing the fire to be contained effectively. Following the outbreak, evacuations were conducted for guests riding Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, and other sections of the park were monitored for safety. The fire department from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District was promptly on the scene, ensuring that the fire was controlled swiftly. Although the pavilion suffered no damage and was reopened later that evening, the Remy's Ratatouille Adventure ride remained closed due to safety concerns following the incident. This fire occurred during a busy time for the resort, coinciding with Florida's Spring Break as well as the International Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT. The quick response of the fire department and the procedures in place helped minimize panic among guests, although the smoke billowing into the sky caused concern for those within the park. Awareness was raised about safety protocols and the importance of effective firefighting measures in crowded tourist areas. As the investigation into the cause of the fire unfolds, Disney officials have not yet determined what specifically led to the ignition of the cooler, raising questions about maintenance and safety standards in the theme park environment. This incident underscores the potential risks associated with fires in populated venues, highlighting the need for regular equipment checks and efficient emergency response planning. As guests returned to the pavilion later that evening and the operations resumed normalcy, the park stressed its commitment to guest safety and will likely review its emergency protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.