Massive Fire Outbreak Ravages Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Thousands Evacuated Safely
Orlando, FL – May 19, 2025
A massive and fast-moving fire broke out late Sunday afternoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky, triggering mass evacuations, and causing significant damage to at least two themed areas. Officials confirm that while no fatalities have been reported, at least 19 guests and 4 staff members suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation and mild burns.
The fire, which reportedly began near the “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” attraction around 3:17 PM, rapidly spread due to high winds and unusually dry weather conditions. Park guests described scenes of chaos as towering flames appeared to engulf parts of the Lost Continent and Toon Lagoon areas.
“We heard this loud popping sound, and then this wall of black smoke just rose up over the buildings,” said Mark Rivera, a visitor from Austin, Texas. “People started running. At first we thought it was part of a show or special effects — but then the smell of real smoke hit, and it was clear something was really wrong.”
Within minutes, park security and emergency services initiated evacuation procedures. More than 23,000 guests were ushered out through pre-designated emergency exits. Videos posted to social media showed thick clouds of smoke drifting over park rooftops and guests covering their faces with shirts as they fled.
Firefighters Struggle Against Intensity
Over 120 firefighters from Orange County Fire Rescue, along with units from neighboring departments, responded to the alarm. They battled the blaze for over six hours before containing it late Sunday evening. According to OCFR Fire Chief Valerie Jenkins, the fire’s rapid spread was exacerbated by strong gusts and an accumulation of flammable materials behind the scenes.
“The initial site of the blaze appears to be a storage area near the Kong attraction, but investigations are still underway,” Jenkins said during a midnight press briefing. “The wind funneled the flames quickly toward nearby wooden structures, particularly those in the Lost Continent area, which proved difficult to defend.”
Jenkins confirmed that the fire jumped over narrow service alleys, sparking secondary blazes that damaged parts of Toon Lagoon. The iconic “Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls” suffered heavy cosmetic damage, though the structure itself is believed to be intact. Water effects from the ride ironically helped slow the fire in that area, giving firefighters a crucial advantage.
Staff and Guest Response Praised
Universal Orlando officials issued a statement late Sunday night, thanking first responders and emphasizing the effectiveness of emergency protocols. “The safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority,” the statement read. “We are grateful that no lives were lost and are working closely with authorities to assess the full extent of the damage.”
Many guests echoed praise for park employees who helped lead crowds to safety. “A team member grabbed my son’s hand and stayed with us the whole time,” said Melissa Watanabe, a tourist from Toronto. “They were calm and organized even while you could see the flames nearby.”
The Universal Emergency Operations Center (UEOC) was activated immediately, coordinating with Orlando police, local EMS, and fire services to ensure order and provide assistance to stranded guests. Buses were arranged to transport guests who had parked in structures on the far end of the resort property, where smoke had significantly reduced visibility.
Attraction Damage and Future Impact
As of Monday morning, Universal has announced that Islands of Adventure will remain closed “until further notice.” Initial assessments suggest that while the majority of attractions — including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park — were unaffected by the fire, damage to infrastructure, power lines, and safety systems requires a full review.
Independent analysts estimate the park could be partially reopened within a few weeks, though full restoration of affected areas may take several months. The popular “Poseidon’s Fury” attraction, which was undergoing rumored renovations, may have been entirely destroyed. Satellite images show charred remains in that section, though officials declined to confirm.
Losses are expected to run into the tens of millions, not including potential lost revenue during the closure. Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk remain open, but attendance is likely to drop as investigations continue.
Cause Under Investigation
Though speculation has been rampant online, officials urge patience as investigations continue. Early unverified reports suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault in a backstage area, but the presence of pyrotechnic and fog machine equipment nearby has also raised concerns about compliance with fire codes.
“Until the forensic investigation is complete, we won’t know exactly what sparked this tragic incident,” said Fire Marshal Eric Danzinger. “What we can say is that safety systems kicked in quickly — sprinklers, alarms, and evacuation teams all functioned as they were supposed to.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has joined the investigation as a matter of routine due to the scale of the event.
Community and Corporate Response
Messages of support have poured in from across the theme park industry. Disney Parks CEO Jennifer Lee tweeted Sunday night: “Sending strength to our friends at Universal Orlando. We’re thankful everyone is safe. We stand with you.”
Locals also expressed concern and solidarity. Some nearby hotels offered discounted rooms to displaced guests. Relief efforts are being coordinated through the Central Florida Tourism Bureau and Universal’s Guest Services teams to provide refunds, rescheduled tickets, and counseling for affected visitors.
Looking Ahead
As dawn broke on Monday, smoke still lingered in the air above Islands of Adventure. Crews remained on site to monitor hotspots and begin the long process of cleanup and rebuilding.
For many guests, the shock of Sunday’s events will not fade quickly. “We came for magic, adventure, and memories,” said Carla Mejia, a mother of three who had flown in from Chicago. “And we still got that — just in a way we’ll never forget.”
Universal has promised regular updates and pledged to rebuild better, safer, and stronger.