Video of smoke header from Islands of Adventure fire at Universal Orlando Resort.
Orange County Fire Rescue responded to fire and smoke reported at Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, a log flume water ride at Islands of Adventure, about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, January 1, 2011. The fire, which was elevated to a second-alarm fire department response was under control in about 30 minutes and reported extinguished in about 60 minutes. The fire was located in the roof where log cars pass through.
The Ripsaw Falls ride is located on the Toon Lagoon island of the Universal Orlando Resort. The island at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure was evacuated after the fire broke out. The Ripsaw Falls ride remains closed, but the rest of the island re-opened after about 90 minutes.
Islands of Adventure opened May 28, 1999. The park is currently composed of seven distinct “islands”, each having its own theme. Visitors start off in the Port of Entry and make their way through the various islands – Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Seuss Landing and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The newest island based on the popular Harry Potter franchise was opened on June 18, 2010. There is a report that heavy, black smoke on Toon Lagoon island was visible from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
File photo: Orange County Fire Rescue Department.
Orlando Sentinel Rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure evacuated because of fire