News Summary
A float at Disneyland caught fire during the Paint the Night Parade, prompting quick evacuation of guests. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among attendees, though one cast member needed treatment. The Disneyland Fire Department managed to extinguish the flames swiftly, and officials confirmed that a power issue impacted the float’s operation. The incident led to the cancellation of the second parade performance of the night, raising concerns over safety protocols during such events.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – A parade float at Disneyland caught fire during the Paint the Night Parade on Wednesday evening, September 10, 2025, leading to a swift evacuation of guests. The incident took place at approximately 8:50 p.m. when the float, themed after Disney’s The Little Mermaid, malfunctioned, causing visible smoke and flames to erupt.
Witnesses reported alarming scenes as the float stalled on Main Street U.S.A. with flames seen emanating from it. An eyewitness described how the driver of the float exited promptly with a fire extinguisher in hand while smoke spread around the area. The Disneyland cast members, trained for emergencies, quickly rallied to evacuate guests, calming concerns amidst the chaotic atmosphere. Fortunately, no guests were injured during the incident, although one cast member required treatment and was subsequently released by Disneyland First Aid.
The Disneyland Fire Department arrived promptly and effectively managed the situation, ensuring that the flames were extinguished swiftly. Despite some guests being frightened by the unfolding event, the evacuation process was executed efficiently, allowing visitors to regain a sense of safety within minutes. The eyewitness estimates indicated that the entire event lasted around seven to ten minutes before normalcy resumed.
Following the blaze, the affected float was towed backstage for an assessment by Disneyland teams. Officials confirmed that the float experienced a power issue, which contributed to the smoke, alongside complications with the brakes. These technical difficulties led to the dramatic events on the parade route.
The Paint the Night Parade, a jewel in Disneyland’s entertainment offerings, usually occurs twice each evening, but the second performance was canceled due to the incident. Initially created to commemorate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, this parade is celebrated for its enchanting floats and vibrant lights. It is scheduled to continue until November 9, 2025, before making way for the upcoming Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade.
While the incident prompted understandable concern among park guests, Disneyland officials have assured the public that maintaining safety remains a top priority. Investigations are currently underway to assess the condition of The Little Mermaid float to determine if it can return to the parade during the remaining weeks of its season.
The occurrence not only highlights the excitement inherent in Disneyland experiences but also the importance of safety protocols in managing large crowds during such events. With thorough evaluations and preparations made by technical teams, Disneyland intends to ensure the ongoing enjoyment of guests while minimizing risks associated with live performances.
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Additional Resources
- People: Disneyland Parade Float Fire Chaos
- Wikipedia: Disneyland
- Patch: Disneyland Parade Float Catches Fire
- Google Search: Disneyland parade fire
- Orange County Register: Disneyland Clears Parade Route
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disneyland
- Disney Dining: Paint the Night Parade Disaster
- Google News: Disneyland fire incident
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
