MWE Correspondent
A sudden fire broke out inside one of the main pavilions at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, forcing delegates to evacuate and briefly halting negotiations during a crucial stage of the global talks.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon inside the UN-administered Blue Zone, where official representatives, observers and media gather for high-level discussions. Witnesses reported that smoke began rising from a meeting tent before quickly spreading through a corridor, prompting security teams to direct participants toward emergency exits.
Firefighters and medical responders arrived within minutes, successfully containing the flames before they could spread to adjacent structures. Several attendees were treated on site for smoke inhalation and anxiety, though officials confirmed that there were no severe injuries or fatalities.
Preliminary assessments suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical malfunction, possibly involving wiring or equipment in one of the exhibition booths. Engineers and safety teams are conducting further inspections, and a full report is expected once the evaluation is complete.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC [UNFCCC]), which oversees the summit, temporarily closed part of the venue to carry out safety checks. The affected area was cleared to reopen later in the evening after fire authorities declared it safe.
The disruption comes at a sensitive moment for COP30 ([COP30]), as negotiators race to resolve differences on issues such as climate financing, emissions reductions and the long-term transition away from fossil fuels.
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Delegates had already missed a self-imposed deadline earlier in the week, adding pressure to the final days of the conference.
Concerns about the structure of the venue had been raised even before the fire. Built on the site of a former airport, parts of the facility were still being finalized as the summit opened. Observers noted areas with exposed beams, temporary flooring and ventilation challenges — issues that have now been thrust back into public attention.
Despite the setback, Brazilian officials expressed confidence that the conference will conclude as planned, praising the swift response of emergency teams and the cooperation of delegates during the evacuation.
Negotiators have since returned to work, turning their focus back to unresolved agenda items, including climate finance ([Climate finance]), a pivotal topic for countries seeking support to respond to the mounting effects of global warming. The world now watches closely to see whether the discussions in Belém will produce a meaningful breakthrough in international climate action.
