When a fire-breathing dragon caught fire at Disneyland on Saturday night, some spectators thought it was part of the show.
However, it was only by chance that the prop was engulfed in flames and authorities were investigating the cause. John McClintock, spokesman for the Anaheim Police Department and Anaheim Fire and Rescue Corps, said Sunday.
At least six workers were treated for smoke inhalation but no further evaluation was required, he said.
The fire was reported around 11:00 pm local time, 30 minutes after the performance of “Fantasmic!”
The show, which dreams of Mickey Mouse becoming a wizard’s apprentice, uses “spectacular effects, thrilling stunts, dazzling fireworks, and evocative music.” According to the description on the Disneyland website.
Props depict Maleficent, one of the story’s villains, as a 45-foot-tall dragon that breathes fire during part of the performance.
As the crowd watched, the fire started around the dragon’s head and spread along its body and neck. According to TikTok video.
“Be careful,” said a voice over the speakers as the fire spread. “Fantasmic! It won’t last. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. “
When the props started to catch fire, accountant Tim Turensek, who was visiting from Minneapolis, briefly thought the fire was an intentional part of the show.
“My sister and I were talking about how impressive it was,” he said. So I was kind of surprised by Disney at first, but then I realized it wasn’t part of the show.”
From about 150 feet away, Turensek felt the heat of the fire.
It wasn’t immediately clear what the dragon’s prop was made of, or what fueled its fire effect.
Areas in the immediate vicinity of the fire were evacuated and closed, but the rest of the park remained open.
“We are temporarily suspending fire effects like those used in Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park. “Fantasmic! Prop fire,” said Disneyland.
