A fire inside the COP30 venue in Belém forced a full evacuation of the climate summit, sending hundreds of delegates and staff rushing out of the site as thick smoke filled parts of the pavilion. Witnesses described flames spreading quickly along the walls and ceiling before emergency teams gained control of the situation.
The blaze was extinguished within minutes, though more than a dozen people were treated for smoke inhalation. Medical staff on-site reported that several first responders were exposed to toxic fumes and required oxygen support. One emergency medicine specialist assisting at the scene described treating “mainly people with smoke inhalation” and noted that many were “traumatised and shocked” by the intensity of the incident.
Several eyewitnesses recalled a moment of panic as alarms sounded and people began running for the exits. One speaker who had been presenting near the area where the fire began said that flames suddenly climbed upward, prompting an immediate dash to safety. Another attendee said they believed the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though an official cause has not been confirmed.
Outside, the scene was chaotic. Delegates sat on the ground or on plastic chairs in sweltering heat as emergency crews inspected the building. Two ambulances were seen arriving long after the flames were put out, reinforcing concerns about lingering smoke and safety hazards. A security officer announced that the venue had to be cleared and secured while authorities assessed the damage.
Unfortunate Timing
The incident struck at a critical time, as nearly 200 countries were attempting to finalize agreements on climate action. Negotiations were halted abruptly, with some delegations taking temporary shelter under a nearby petrol station roof while awaiting updates on when talks might resume. With the summit now temporarily under the control of Brazilian authorities, the fire is expected to delay progress toward a final deal.
Thousands of people are attending COP30, making safety checks a priority before discussions can restart. The pause comes amid already challenging negotiations over how nations will accelerate efforts to limit global temperature rise and address growing climate impacts.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the venue is secure and that all participants can return safely to the work of shaping the summit’s outcome.
References:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1d0vekq12ro
