The Fire Department concluded, on the morning of this Tuesday (30), one of the most important stages of the big New Year’s Eve party on the beaches of Rio, the main one being in Copacabana, south of Rio. All the rafts that will be used in the traditional fireworks display on the coast were inspected and approved by the General Directorate of Public Entertainment, of the Fire Department.
“The rigorous inspection of the ferries and the entire planned operation demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting the population, tourists and the excellence of our firefighters”, said Governor Cláudio Castro.
The military evaluated technical and safety criteria, such as stability of the rafts, positioning of pyrotechnic devices, activation systems, distance from the shore and compliance with safety standards required for large events.
“During the inspection, the main safety items were analyzed, such as the layout of the structures, the quantity, type and size of pyrotechnic devices, always in accordance with the project previously presented in the documentary part. We emphasize that during the show the ferries will not have teams on board nor the presence of brigade members and operators”, said the corporation’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Fábio Contreiras.
According to Contreiras, the operation will work remotely, as foreseen in the technical planning.
“Fire prevention and response will also be guaranteed by a support tug, equipped with a fire pump, strategically positioned for immediate action, if necessary”, he clarified.
The assembly of the dwelling structure has a Technical Responsibility Note (ART), issued by a legally qualified engineer, ensuring that the installation follows the required technical and safety criteria.
The action also included the participation of representatives from the Port Authority, the Weapons and Explosives Inspection Division (DFAE) of the Civil Police and the Rio Tourism Company (Riotur).
Fireworks display
This year, 19 ferries will be distributed along the Copacabana waterfront, with almost double the number of artifacts used at New Year’s Eve 2024. The show will last approximately 12 minutes. The ferries, on which the fireworks were set up, are expected to leave Praia da Ribeira, on Ilha do Governador on Tuesday night (30) to be positioned along the Copacabana shore.
New Year’s Eve
The Fire Department will employ around 1,500 soldiers in the New Year’s Eve operation, with the support of 360 vehicles, 250 boats, three aircraft and 13 drones, in addition to two large drones equipped with a megaphone, long-range search light and flight capacity in adverse conditions.
The corporation will also have three Command and Control Posts and 38 new mobile maritime rescue posts spread across the main beaches in the State of Rio. In Copacabana, the area with the highest concentration of public, 170 firefighters will be mobilized, 20 lifeguard posts and medical teams on board watercraft, ensuring quick service in cases of rescuing bathers.
