WaterFire preps continue in Rome

ROME, ITALY (WPRI) - The preparations for WaterFire Roma continue on the banks of the Tiber River in Rome.

As volunteers bolt and secure the braziers that will hold the flames above the water's surface, another necessary ingredient is added to the mix: Firewood.

But there are still a lot of pieces to organize.

"The challenge with WaterFire is, you need all of the different elements in place.; the braziers, the water flow rate, firewood by the river, boats in the river, braziers here fabricated in the river. And we’re still slowly getting those in place. We’ve got half of the braziers in. The firewood’s been delivered, it’s a little on the wet side. We can work with that. So, now we’re waiting for the boats," said Barnaby Evans, WaterFire creator.

Yet, the work continued as the days wore on.

WaterFire Providence is known not only for the flames, but also for the creative performers. And Rome's lighting, it seems, will be no different.

Suspended from an arch, and floating feet above the water's surface, an acrobat rehearsed for what undoubtedly will be a gravity-defying show.

The hanging hoop dance performer is just one part of a larger troupe who will be performing this weekend.

Then, after dark, an Italian translator will help Barnaby explain instructions to the torch bearers.

Friday night, the torch bearers will safely bring the flames to the water, to start the inaugural European WaterFire.