Fire breaks out at Brazil’s Cop30 talks, forcing delay at critical phase
Fire forces evacuation at summit site in Belem as nations attempt to resolve contentious climate issues
A fire broke out Thursday inside the UN climate summit venue in Brazil, burning through the roof and causing a panicked evacuation and the suspension of talks entering a crucial phase.
The blaze engulfed pavilions in the summit site in Belem around 2pm, torching a hole through its fabric ceiling, sparking a rush for the exit as smoke filled the corridors and people cried “fire!”
It was the third major incident since the Cop30 negotiations started last week in the Amazon region, after Indigenous protesters stormed the venue and later blockaded the entrance in peaceful demonstration.
Security responded “swiftly” and the blaze was controlled in roughly six minutes, Cop30 hosts Brazil and United Nations Climate Change said in a joint statement.
Firefighters and ambulances arrived with sirens blaring as acrid smoke billowed from the huge tents and permanent structures hosting tens of thousands of diplomats, journalists, and activists for the two-week event.