WaterFire on the Providence River

On certain evenings in Providence, Rhode Island, flames glow above the water while their reflections tremble on the river below. This is WaterFire, an art event that turns part of downtown into a place for people to gather after dark.

The fires burn in metal baskets called braziers. At some events, a row of these baskets stretches along the Providence River. The baskets hold burning wood above the water, and the moving surface breaks the firelight into shimmering pieces. From a pedestrian bridge, visitors can look down at the flames and see the riverbanks on either side.

WaterFire began in 1994 as an artwork created by Barnaby Evans. Over time, it grew into a public event with fires on downtown rivers and music playing along the waterways. The event is held on selected dates, rather than every night, and its size can vary.

Keeping the fires burning takes a team. Staff members and volunteers travel by boat to add wood to the braziers. They also help prepare the site and guide visitors. People can watch from walkways and bridges, leaving the boats and fires to the trained crews.

The experience changes as visitors move along the river. A fire seen from nearby may seem bright and warm, while one farther away may look like a small orange dot. Music, the smell of wood smoke, and the glow on the water combine to make a familiar city landscape feel different for an evening.