Credit: @AliciaStella on XThis article has been updated as multiple news outlets and theme park news sites are reporting on what actually took place this morning within the Universal Epic Universe property.
Continue reading to learn more about these updates.
Discover what really caused the terrifying smoke seen billowing over Epic Universe—and why fans feared the worst.
False Reports of Epic Universe on Fire Circulate: Alleged Cause Due to Nearby Gas Station
It looked like something straight out of a disaster movie.
Thick black smoke rose high above the Orlando skyline early this morning, sending social media into a frenzy. The ominous flume seemed to originate from Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe—specifically its haunting Dark Universe section. Photos and videos quickly flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, with stunned viewers fearing that something had gone terribly wrong at the brand-new park.
Panic quickly spread across fandom pages, with speculation spiraling faster than officials could respond. Was it a fire in the park? Was Dark Universe burning down before guests even got to experience it? As of now, the answer is no—but the fear, chaos, and confusion sparked by the unclear visuals tell us something important about today’s theme park culture and just how closely fans watch every move.
Here’s what really happened, what guests need to know, and how this incident highlights both the passion and the pressure surrounding one of the most anticipated theme park expansions in history.
What Really Happened Near Epic Universe?
The viral footage that captured hearts and headlines was first shared by industry insider Alicia Stella, who caught a dramatic video of a massive black smoke plume rising near the site of Epic Universe. From her angle and from guest photos online, it appeared the smoke was emerging from within the Dark Universe area—a section of the park themed to Universal’s classic monsters.
What is happening at dark universe
What is happening at dark universe pic.twitter.com/KW9eIYLUlI
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) July 25, 2025
But not long after the video began gaining traction, early reports from multiple users and eyewitnesses clarified that the source of the fire was not inside the park itself. In fact, it was reportedly traced back to a gas station just outside the boundaries of the resort property.
Apparently it’s a gas station outside property
– @AliciaStella on X
Apparently it’s a gas station outside property
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) July 25, 2025
Local authorities have not confirmed the exact details, but several social media users shared additional photos—one of which showed what appeared to be a hazardous materials response just blocks from the construction site of Epic Universe. While there is currently no official confirmation from Universal, no damage to the park has been reported, and no evacuations were necessary.
New Reports Suggest Epic Universe Electric Bus Caught Fire
Just as the smoke was being dismissed as unrelated to the park itself, a new layer to the story is now emerging—one that brings the situation closer to home for Universal Orlando.
Look like EV bus fire
Look like EV bus fire😳 pic.twitter.com/k1VnYejGRi
— Top Thrill Jeff (@givens27) July 25, 2025
A recently surfaced photo on social media appears to show an electric bus branded with Epic Universe signage engulfed in smoke and flames. While details remain unconfirmed by Universal officials, the image has already begun circulating among theme park fan groups and local forums, reigniting concerns about this morning’s dramatic plume.
This latest development could explain why the smoke looked so close to the Epic Universe construction site. If the vehicle was in transport or parked near the property perimeter, that would align with guest footage showing the fire’s proximity to the upcoming theme park’s infrastructure.
As of now, there have been no reports of injuries, and it remains unclear whether the bus was operational, charging, or in storage at the time of the incident. It’s also not confirmed whether the vehicle belonged to Universal’s future transportation fleet, or if it was a third-party contractor vehicle undergoing testing.
Friday Afternoon Official Update: Two Electric Buses Cause Major Fire Inside Epic Universe Property
Update: According to a report from WESH, two buses have caught fire near Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park. Orange County Fire Rescue responded to a “Hazardous Materials” call just before 11 a.m. at a location believed to be a service area for electric buses that operate between Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s other parks, and nearby hotels.
In a statement, Universal expressed gratitude to the Orange County Fire Department for their swift response, emphasizing that guest and team member safety remains a top priority. At this time, the cause of the fire has not been determined, and it is unclear whether any additional electric buses will need to be pulled from service.