A small fire broke out Friday morning on the tracks of the recently closed Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida. The Orlando Fire Department responded to the incident, which occurred on the structure of the ride currently undergoing demolition. No injuries were reported in connection with the fire.
Officials confirmed that fire crews were on the scene to manage the situation. The coaster, a prominent feature of the park's skyline for over a decade, ceased operations in August to make way for a new attraction. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Key Takeaways
- A fire occurred on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster at Universal Studios Florida.
- The Orlando Fire Department confirmed it was a "small active fire" and responded to the scene.
- The roller coaster was permanently closed in August 2024 and was in the process of being dismantled.
- No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
- The area was already closed to the public as part of the demolition process.
Emergency Response to the Incident
The Orlando Fire Department was dispatched to Universal Studios Florida after reports of a fire on the decommissioned roller coaster. Eyewitness accounts and aerial footage showed emergency vehicles near the attraction's structure within the Production Central area of the theme park.
In a statement, the fire department provided initial details about the event.
"Orlando Fire Department firefighters are working a small active fire on the tracks of a closed coaster."
The response was swift, aiming to contain the blaze and prevent any potential spread to other park areas. Since the ride and its surrounding queue area were already closed off for demolition, park guest access was not directly affected. Operations in other parts of Universal Studios Florida continued as normal.
A Look Back at Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
For 15 years, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was a unique and recognizable part of the Universal Studios experience. The coaster was known for its towering, 167-foot vertical lift hill, which was a first of its kind in the world. After the steep climb, riders would plummet into a non-inverting loop known as the "Double Take."
Coaster Statistics
- Opening Date: August 19, 2009
- Closing Date: August 18, 2024
- Manufacturer: Maurer Söhne (Germany)
- Height: 167 feet (51 meters)
- Top Speed: 65 mph (105 km/h)
- Track Length: 3,800 feet (1,158 meters)
One of its most distinctive features was the onboard audio system. Guests could choose a song from a list of genres to serve as the soundtrack for their ride experience. This element of personalization made it a fan favorite and a highly repeatable attraction. The coaster's bright red track was a dominant feature of the park's landscape, visible from many points both inside and outside the resort.
Closure and Demolition Process
Universal announced on December 27, 2024, that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit would be permanently retired. The company stated the closure was necessary to pave the way for new experiences for park guests. The final day for the public to ride the coaster was August 17, with the official closure taking effect the following day.
Demolition in Active Theme Parks
Dismantling a large attraction like a roller coaster within an active theme park is a complex logistical challenge. The process involves careful deconstruction, often piece by piece, to ensure the safety of workers and nearby park guests. Work is typically scheduled to minimize disruption to park operations, with large-scale work often occurring overnight.
Demolition work began shortly after the ride's closure. The process involves heavy machinery, including cranes and cutting equipment, to carefully take apart the massive steel structure. It is during such demolition and construction projects that industrial accidents, such as small fires from sparks generated by metal cutting, can occur. Investigators will likely examine the work being performed at the time the fire started.
Future Plans for the Attraction Site
Universal has not yet officially announced what will replace the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The company has only stated that the space will be used for a "new experience." This has led to widespread speculation among theme park enthusiasts and industry observers.
The plot of land occupied by the coaster is significant, located in a prime area of the park near the entrance. Potential replacements could range from another major thrill ride to an immersive land based on one of Universal's popular intellectual properties. The company is currently in a period of major expansion, with the new Epic Universe theme park set to open in 2025, indicating a strong commitment to introducing new attractions across its resorts.
While the fire is an unexpected event in the ride's decommissioning, it is not expected to significantly delay Universal's long-term plans for the site. The primary focus for officials remains on determining the cause of the incident and ensuring the continued safety of the demolition process.
