Grease Buildup Cited in Braseiro da Gávea Fire as Reopening Targeted Within a Day

Overview

• The fire erupted Tuesday evening around 20:00 at the famed Baixo Gávea restaurant in Rio’s South Zone, with firefighters controlling the flames by 20:40.
• No injuries were reported as staff directed customers to leave while smoke spread into the street before crews arrived.
• Manager Thiago Almeida said accumulated grease in the grill likely triggered the blaze, noting the weekly cleaning was slated for Wednesday after heavy holiday traffic.
• Damage was concentrated in the exhaust system’s electrical components, which were broken open to reach the source, and the team aims to resume service later Wednesday or Thursday.
• The incident drew wide attention with photos and videos shared publicly, and the restaurant was recently visited by singer Dua Lipa during her stay in Rio.