A large fire broke out at the Maximus Confecções costume factory early Wednesday morning, February 12, 2023, located on Rua Roberto Silva in Ramos, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The factory is known for producing costumes for Rio's famous Carnival parades, but the disaster has raised serious concerns for both the workers and the upcoming festivities.
The fire began around 7:39 AM, and the emergency services quickly mobilized. Approximately 90 firefighters from 13 different fire stations responded to combat the flames, which spread rapidly through the building filled with flammable materials. Eyewitness accounts suggest chaos ensued as people attempted to escape.
Witnesses reported hearing screams and the sound of windows breaking as occupants tried to flee the smoke and flames. Raiane, who managed to escape, described the scene: "We just heard the shouting, windows being broken, and cries for help from upstairs. When we opened our workshop door to get out, we saw the smoke, and there was no way to exit. A friend remembered there was a ladder at the back of our workshop leading outside."
The rescue operation was extensive, extracting 21 people alive from the burning structure. Unfortunately, authorities reported several individuals sustained serious injuries, with ten victims suffering grave conditions primarily due to smoke inhalation.
Governor Cláudio Castro expressed his solidarity with the victims and the affected samba schools, including the Império Serrano, Unidos da Ponte, and Porto da Pedra, which had their costumes damaged. He pledged support stating, “My solidarity to the people affected by the fire and the samba schools hit by this tragedy. We will work together to minimize the impacts of this fire.”
The nature of the incident has created substantial concern for the Carnival season, as the Liga RJ, which oversees several samba schools, highlighted the significant impact the fire has on production planning. They indicated, “The impact of this incident directly affects the planning of Carnival and the entire production chain involved.” They will convene urgently to address the situation.
Colonel Luciano Sarmento, from the Rio de Janeiro Fire Department, commented on the factory’s safety compliance, stating, “The factory did not have the appropriate approvals to operate, lacking necessary safety measures.” Investigations reported the factory was operating illegally, having failed to meet regulatory requirements, raising serious questions about worker safety.
The fire was extensive, affecting approximately 500 square meters of the factory space. Alongside firefighting efforts, ambulances from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) were present to attend to victims immediately.
While the flames were eventually brought under control after several hours, the aftermath of the fire left many community members reeling. "There were about 30 people inside when the fire broke out, and thankfully everyone managed to escape,” shared Marli, another employee. Yet, she noted the horror of the rapid spread of the fire due to the presence of combustible materials such as fabrics and foams.
Casualties and those injured were taken to various hospitals, including Hospital Estadual Getúlio Vargas, where several remain seriously injured. Health services reported three men and six women suffered airway burns from toxic smoke inhalation.
Despite reports of injuries and damage, the community expressed relief over the successful rescue operation. The investigation by the Civil Police began the same day, aiming to determine the fire's cause. Meanwhile, the fire department continued to assess the safety and viability of the site.
The ramifications of this incident extend beyond immediate safety concerns; the going forward plans of the samba schools could be significantly impacted. Each school affected reported they had their entire costume production stored at the factory, prompting fears of future performance eligibility.
Mayor Eduardo Paes reassured the samba community, declaring no affected schools would be downgraded for this year's Carnival, stating they will remain 'Hors concours' if able to participate. The rescue and rapid response efforts have brought some comfort to those shaken by the event.