Riverfire safety experts busy as fireworks to fire from barges, bridges, rooftops, drones
Thousands of fireworks will light up the Brisbane sky after being launched from bridges, rooftops, barges and, in a Queensland-first, drones at Riverfire, keeping safety inspectors busy.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) spends more than 1,500 hours preparing for the much-loved, but very intricate, pyrotechnic show.
RSHQ Explosives Inspector Lionel Gainey says the firework safety regulator is completing its final checks behind-the-scenes as the big event approaches.
“Riverfire is one of Australia's most logistically complex events - it uses more than two tonnes of fireworks - and this year is going to be special,” he says.
“The display will look spectacular, but it will also require specific safety measures.
“Our job is to make sure the fireworks are securely attached to the drones, all other fireworks are safe and secure, and exclusion zones are in place for everyone's safety.”
Foti International Fireworks Director Forch Foti says he believes Riverfire 2025 will be one of the most innovative displays in the world.
“Not only do we have more fireworks, we’re also extremely excited to introduce the pyrotechnic drones concept this year – it’s the first time this has been done in Queensland fireworks history,” he says.
Foti Fireworks has been working with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and RSHQ to get approvals for the innovative display.
This year, there will be more than 6000 fireworks ignited from more than 17 locations.
“Our job is to make sure it’s a fun and safe event. We will have inspections there until the end of the display on Saturday night,” Mr Gainey says.
“Sydney used the firework drones at its New Year celebrations, thrilling the crowd, and we are so excited to see them in Brisbane at the ever-spectacular Riverfire.”
Riverfire kicks off the opening night of the Brisbane Festival on Saturday 6 September.
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ENDS
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is the regulator of safety and health legislation across Queensland’s mining, quarrying, explosives (including fireworks) petroleum and gas industries. RSHQ’s priority is the safety and health of workers and the communities they operate in, with a vision of zero serious harm.
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Last updated: 05 Sep 2025