KTLA

Dragon prop catches fire during Disneyland show; Disney temporarily suspends similar fire effects globally

An intense fire broke out at Disneyland in Anaheim on Saturday night as packed crowds were enjoying a show at the theme park.

The fire ignited on Tom Sawyer Island during the Fantasmic! nighttime water and fireworks show held on the Rivers of America.


Citizen video captured by parkgoers shows massive flames fully engulfing Maleficent’s dragon prop on stage. The flames first ignited from the dragon’s face before spreading to the rest of its body.

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Heavy plumes of dark smoke were seen billowing from the stage and were visible throughout the park.

Video showed cast members evacuating packed crowds from the waterfront viewing area and nearby attractions as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.

Bystanders outside Disneyland Resort captured a line of firetrucks rushing to the Anaheim theme park.

“During the final showing of Fantasmic at Disneyland park on Saturday evening, the dragon caught fire. Anaheim Fire & Rescue quickly responded and the fire was extinguished,” Disneyland said in a statement to KTLA. “All cast members were evacuated from Tom Sawyer Island. Due to smoke and wind, attractions near the island were safely cleared of any guests.”

Disneyland also told KTLA in a statement that they will be “temporarily suspending fire effects similar to those used at Disneyland park’s Fantasmic at select shows and entertainment experiences globally” as a precautionary measure following the Fantasmic prop fire.

There were no reports of injuries and the extent of the fire’s damage was not immediately known.

Disneyland said the cause of the fire was under investigation.