Europa Park Fire - 26th May 2018

This morning, in Australia, we woke to some very dramatic theme park news from German Theme Park Europa Park, where a large fire broke out in the Scandinavian area of the park. The initial images looked incredibly dramatic, as this fire roared up to 15m into the air, it was reported.

Breaking News:
Major fire currently happening in what looks to be the Scandinavia area of the park. More details to follow when we get them. pic.twitter.com/p4se5af9lJ

— EuropaStreet (@EuropaStreet) May 26, 2018

I hope everyone is safe at #Europapark #mackrides the fire looks horrific. #rust #germany #themepark #fire pic.twitter.com/OC5z0UVCWw

— Steve (@coastersteve) May 26, 2018

Pray for #Europapark 🔥😢 pic.twitter.com/gsz4Uyvm5c

— Val photographie (@v4lphotographie) May 26, 2018

We had confirmation from Michael Mack, the managing director of Europa Park, that the fire had destroyed the Pirates in Batavia dark ride, and also the Norway section completely, however there was no recorded injuries, and the fire appears to be contained, as Iceland (the area behind it) and the Blue Fire Megacoaster appear to be unharmed.

A sad day for #europapark thanks to all who help us to save our life's work! Can't express my feelings.Lost Batavia and Norway completely-but so far no person beeing hurt

— Michael Mack (@MichaelMack) May 26, 2018

No damages in Iceland,Portugal,Luxembourg Place and Colonial House-Thanks God!! pic.twitter.com/XT3lU3sxkH

— Michael Mack (@MichaelMack) May 26, 2018

I heard reports of staff from the park on their days off, and after there shifts joined firefighters in attempting to contain the blaze and manage getting the park evacuated safely. That is a fantastic effort by the staff and emergency services to both keep it isolate to the part of the park, which is completely surrounded by park, and to have no injuries recorded. I heard that only part of the park was actually evacuated, and indeed a number of rides continued operating while the blaze was brought under control. Which can be seen in the twitter photo above from the top of the Euro-Mir.



Scandinavia in 2010.

I feel a bit of a personal connection to this park, as it was during an overseas trip through Europe that my dormant obsession with theme parks was re-ignited and Europa Park was a very big part of that. We know that in time they will rebuild, but it's still tough to see such a highly themed area damaged in such a brutal way.



Our thoughts are with the staff of Europa Park that have poured their hearts into it. People in the industry know this park is a safe and well maintained park, so while it's to early to know the cause they certainly get the benefit of the doubt until we know more.


Let's hope that Europa Park can rebuild in a bigger and stronger in the future, as it is deservedly a very popular and loved park.