A fire broke out yesterday at the venue of the “COP30” climate conference in the Brazilian city of Belém, without any reported injuries. The incident prompted fire and security teams to evacuate the area quickly before bringing the flames under control.
The blaze started in the national pavilions area, and smoke spread inside and outside the facilities hosting the UN climate conference in the Amazonian city, causing panic among attendees. The fire damaged part of the roof, and the Brazilian government and the United Nations said in a joint statement that security forces responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire in about six minutes.
Firefighters and ambulances rushed to the scene as thick smoke rose from the tents and buildings hosting tens of thousands of diplomats, journalists, and activists participating in the two-week event.
According to the Brazilian presidency, 19 people received treatment for smoke inhalation, while two others were treated for panic.
The affected area was closed off, but authorities escorted individuals who had left their belongings inside to retrieve them, including those who needed their passports to travel later that night.
Tens of thousands of participants were evacuated calmly under light rain near the conference center, as the smell of burning plastic filled the air.
One concerned delegate standing outside the venue said the incident “will delay the process,” at a time when important decisions need to be made.
Later, Brazilian authorities announced that the site had reopened at 8:40 p.m. local time, with a small number of delegates returning, while the plenary sessions are set to resume today, Friday.
Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed confidence in the possibility of reaching a “compromise solution” to address adaptation needs in developing countries and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He urged participants: “Commit in good faith to reaching an ambitious compromise,” as the Brazilian presidency of the Belém conference continues intensive consultations.
