Cause of Disneyland Fire Revealed: Why a Fire Erupted at the SoCal Theme Park

in Disney, Disneyland Resort

disneyland fire

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On the evening of February 6, 2020, a fire broke out at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. The blaze occurred in the “backstage” area of the park between the Disneyland Fire Station and the Main Street Emporium Gift Shop.

While the fire was quickly controlled and extinguished by the joint efforts of Disneyland Fire Department and Anaheim Fire and Rescue, the flames grew to a point they could be easily seen by park guests, and was the cause of isolated power outages, the temporary closure of Adventureland, and the partial evacuation of the park itself.

While there was immediate speculation about what caused the fire, we had no official confirmation. Until now, thanks to a recent report by the Orange County Register. 

“The fire was related to a generator supplying power to a building,” California Division of Occupational Safety and Health spokesperson Frank Polizzi said.

It was a temporary generator Disneyland was using for construction. Since it was not in any relation to a ride or the maintenance of a ride, California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the state-run organization that inspects theme parks like Disneyland and issues operational permits to its attractions decided not to investigate the fire.

Related: Disneyland attractions close AGAIN after SoCal’s largest earthquake in decades

The only significant damage caused by the fire was to the fringe of the themed-land, Adventureland. According to Disneyland officials, the fire burned some of the vegetation near the classic Jungle Cruise attraction. No Cast Members of Guests were injured and no other buildings in the vicinity suffered any damage. Disneyland and its Adventureland was back open to guests the following morning.

It should also be noted that instances such as a faulty generator catching fire are extremely rare and out-of-place occurrences. These accidents almost never happen at Disneyland or any Disney Park and guests should not let this story deter them in any way from visiting the Happiest Place on Earth.

Coincidentally enough, though, the Disneyland fire happened on the same night Walt Disney World itself was suffering from some misfortunes. Firework shows like “Happily Ever After” were canceled all across the property and the Skyliner cable car transportation system was closed as a weather band of hurricane-force winds raced across the whole of the Sunshine State. No injuries or damage was reported there either. Click here for more information on that situation.

 Are you surprised that a generator caught fire at Disneyland Park? Did you know anybody who was in the park that night? Do you think the DOSH should move forward with an investigation? Let us know in the comments!

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