Bonfire at the Velodrome

(ATR) A criminal investigation could be launched into the fire that damaged one of the few venues open after the Olympics. Floating balloons that carry a small open flame are blamed for setting the roof of the building ablaze Sunday morning.

The venue had been open for only two months before the fire. Rio civil authorities say the fire was contained to the roof of the structure, although photos posted on Twitter show blackened sections of the track.

The Brazilian Ministry of Sport "criticized this criminal practice of releasing balloons."

The lantern-like balloon that caused the fire is a common, but illegal, practice during Brazilian winters. A small flame is used to carry the balloons aloft, although they sometimes set fires where they land

"The Velodrome, legacy of the 2016 Olympic Games, had been used by athletes and the community of Rio de Janeiro," the MOS statement said. "We wait and trust in the investigation and punishment of those involved for destroying more than a public good, but equipment for all."

A similar incident occurred during the Rio Paralympics, causing water damage in Carioca Arena 3.

Após incêndio, Velódromo do Parque Olímpico é interditado pela Defesa Civil, que cita queda de balão https://t.co/g5zs9rjdNI #G1Rio pic.twitter.com/MZHCnAoLHd

The Rio Governing Authority of the Olympic Legacy (AGLO) said in a statement that there was no damage to the cooling system that maintains the Siberian-wood track. The AGLO offices are located in the Rio velodrome.

"According to police, the first assessment is that the internal damage is due to the burning of the velodrome cover and the water used to put out the fire," the statement said. "At dawn, the fire department had already allowed access the velodrome facilities to the AGLO team, which coordinated the first clean-up and damage mitigation actions with support from municipal officials."

AGLO asked the Brazilian federal police to open a criminal investigation.

For Rio de Janeiro the fire comes in the week leading up to the one year anniversary of the 2016 Olympic Games. So far some Barra Olympic Park venues have opened in limited capacities, as the ministry of sport works to find an operator before a 2019 deadline.

Parts of the Deodoro Olympic Park have been shuttered since December 2016 without an agreement for an operator. The radical park includes areas that were supposed to serve the impoverished neighborhood of Deodoro with hiking trails, public leisure space, and a community pool. City Hall officials say negotiations with operators are ongoing, and that the park could open in September.

Written by Aaron Bauer

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