Six workers at Disneyland Resort California suffered smoke inhalation when a 40-foot-high animatronic dragon burst into flames during a live show.

Anaheim Fire and Rescue was called at around 11pm local time to help the Disneyland Fire Department put out the blaze on Tom Sawyer Island on Saturday.

Video circulating on social media and news sites show the dragon on fire, while a staff member announces over the tannoy: “This performance cannot continue due to unforeseen circumstances.”

At one point, a large explosion of fire shoots out of the dragon and the crowd can be heard gasping.

Disneyland cast members evacuated the area, and the fire was quickly extinguished, Anaheim Police Sergeant John McClintock said.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is being carried out.