Thick black smoke billowed over Disneyland Resort on Friday after a fire erupted at the Pixar Pals parking structure.
The fire originated from a Toyota RAV4 and quickly spread to multiple vehicles, creating a visible hazard over the popular theme park, The US Sun reported.
The incident occurred in Anaheim, California, and was first reported at the Pixar Pals parking garage. Anaheim Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene at approximately 9:47 AM local time. The parking garage quickly filled with smoke as the flames engulfed the Toyota RAV4 and spread to several nearby vehicles.
Firefighters found several vehicles ablaze upon their arrival. "When units arrived, they found the fire had spread to two or three additional vehicles," stated a fire department spokesperson. This rapid spread demanded a swift and coordinated firefighting effort.
Despite the severity of the blaze, there were no injuries reported. Paramedics were present on-site as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved. The fire's rapid spread led to significant disruptions, with parts of the park and nearby roads closed to manage the situation.
As firefighters worked to contain and extinguish the fire, guests at Disneyland faced lengthy delays. Many were unable to access their vehicles, which were either stuck inside the affected parking garage or blocked by emergency operations. The presence of fire and rescue teams provided some assurance to the concerned crowd, maintaining order amid the chaos.
According to Anaheim Police Sgt. Jacob Gallacher, "The fire spread to several other vehicles, but was quickly extinguished." The responsiveness of the fire brigade helped avert a larger crisis and minimized potential harm to park visitors and their property.
By the evening, the fire had ceased, but its marks were apparent. Damage to the exterior of the Pixar Pals parking garage was visible, indicating the intense heat and reach of the fire. While the immediate danger had passed, the incident left a visual reminder of the day’s chaotic events.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation, adding an element of uncertainty to the day's events. Authorities were particular about gathering all relevant information to determine the exact cause, preventing such an incident in the future.
As of now, representatives from Disneyland have not made any formal statements regarding the fire. The event's timing was particularly notable, coming just weeks after another significant fire at Disney World's Epcot theme park in Florida.
With ongoing investigations, the focus remains on ensuring such incidents do not repeat. Lessons learned from this situation and the recent fire at Epcot will likely contribute to improved safety protocols across all Disney properties.
Maintaining the safety and security of guests and their belongings is paramount for theme parks, particularly in heavily trafficked areas like parking garages. This incident underscores the importance of vigilant safety measures and quick emergency responses.
The Disneyland Resort continues to be a beacon of joy and entertainment. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that can arise and the continual need for preparedness and resilience in the face of emergencies.
