A major fire broke out at Globo Studios, located in Curicica, Rio de Janeiro, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, causing significant damage to the sets of upcoming productions. The incident, which occurred around lunchtime, was swiftly responded to by the Rio de Janeiro Fire Department.
According to Globo Studios, the fire destroyed parts of the city sets for their upcoming novelas, "Dona de Mim," set to air at 7 PM, and "Êta Mundo Melhor," scheduled for the 6 PM slot. Reports indicate the affected sets were nearing completion and had yet to be used for filming. A spokesperson for Globo stated, "Um incêndio, de causa ainda desconhecida, destruiu parte de uma das cidades cenográficas da próxima novela das 19h, ‘Dona de Mim’, e da próxima novela das 18h, ‘Êta Mundo Melhor’, nos Estúdios Globo, no Rio de Janeiro." The current state of the fire was brought under control, with no injuries reported to personnel on set at the time of the incident.
Firefighters from the 12th Battalion took charge and worked diligently to combat the blaze. Approximately 40 firefighters and 13 vehicles were deployed, utilizing drones equipped with thermal cameras to monitor the situation effectively. During the firefighting efforts, three firefighters sustained injuries but were quickly treated and transported to the hospital.
The fire began around lunchtime when no personnel were present near the set, reducing the risk of injuries. Globo emphasized, "Durante o combate ao incêndio, três brigadistas ficaram feridos, foram prontamente atendidos e levados ao hospital," underscoring the swift medical response teams. The statement also noted the potential impact this incident could have on the production timeline for the affected shows, stating, "O impacto no planejamento das próximas novelas será avaliado pelas equipes artísticas e de produção."
"Dona de Mim" explores the life of Leo, portrayed by Clara Moneke, who unexpectedly becomes a nanny, juggling the demands of caring for Sofia—a girl from an elite, yet decaying Rio family. The show, which is anticipated to replace "Volta por Cima" on April 28, is facing time constraints due to the fire's destruction of sets.
On the other hand, "Êta Mundo Melhor" has its roots as the sequel to the previous novela "Êta Mundo Bom!" Set predominantly in the 1950s, the damage inflicted on the sets poses significant challenges for its upcoming production since the visual authenticity of the period is integral to the show's success.
The environmental conditions during the incident were dire, with meteorological reports indicating temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius, likely contributing to the fire's rapid spread. Firefighting efforts included aerial support, as helicopters aided with water drops on the adjacent hillside—actions taken to prevent the escalation of the fire. The operations faced challenges due to the extreme weather, making the firefighting process arduous but effective.
Upon review, Globo Studios has committed to thoroughly investigating the cause of the fire, hoping to prevent future incidents. Further details about the impact on production will emerge as teams analyze the damage and strategize recovery efforts. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of their workers and successful recovery from this incident.
Moving forward, Globo will be hastily attempting to recreate the destroyed sets for both productions to meet the planned air dates. Although tight schedules are challenging, the adaptability of the production team may offset some initial delays. There could also be opportunities for outdoor filming, since the narrative of "Dona de Mim" takes place contemporarily, providing some leeway.
The community and fans alike have expressed support for Globo Studios during this tumultuous time, hoping for swift recovery and successful timelines for their eagerly awaited shows. The rapid attention and dedication of the firefighting teams ensured safety at the site, illustrating the importance of quick response times during emergencies.