Fire Erupts at COP30 Pavilion in Belem, Brazil, Triggering Evacuation
A fire broke out on Thursday at the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil, forcing a rapid evacuation of the venue and disrupting critical climate negotiations.
The blaze began in a pavilion located within the “Blue Zone”, the restricted area of the conference where country pavilions, plenary rooms, and media offices are situated.
Firefighters and UN security personnel responded quickly, and the fire was brought under control in approximately six minutes.
Thick smoke filled corridors as delegates shouted “fire,” and many rushed to exit the area in panic.
According to the organisers, 13 people received medical attention for smoke inhalation.
Brazil’s Tourism Minister, Celso Sabino, said the fire likely started near the China Pavilion, and authorities suspect a generator fault or short circuit may have triggered the blaze.
Many of the pavilions are temporary fabric structures, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The venue was temporarily shut down for around seven hours while safety checks were conducted.
After being cleared by firefighters, parts of the complex were reopened, though the section directly affected by the fire will remain closed for the rest of the summit.
The incident adds tension to the COP30 meetings, already under pressure as world leaders and negotiators work against the clock to broker a deal on key climate issues such as fossil fuel phase-out, climate finance, and trade.