A fire broke out inside the venue hosting the UN climate summit, COP30, in Belém, Brazil, forcing a full evacuation of the conference center. The incident occurred as negotiations were entering their final hours, potentially delaying a crucial agreement on climate action.
Rapid Response and Immediate Impact
The blaze was extinguished within six minutes, according to the UN, but not before 13 individuals were treated for smoke inhalation. Witnesses described scenes of panic as flames and smoke spread rapidly through the pavilion area. BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt reported seeing “huge columns of smoke” rising from a burnt hole in the conference center’s roof.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Dr. Harshita Umesh, a presenter at the summit, recounted a chaotic escape, stating, “It was climbing the walls and onto the ceiling. People were screaming.” Medical personnel on-site reported first responders suffering from toxic fume exposure, requiring oxygen masks. Emergency medicine specialist Kimberly Humphrey confirmed that injuries primarily consisted of smoke inhalation and at least one potential lung injury.
Negotiations Halted and Security Lockdown
The fire halted negotiations as delegations were forced to seek shelter outside, with some taking refuge under the roof of a nearby petrol station. Brazilian security officials locked down the venue, citing safety concerns. While the cause of the fire remains unknown, one eyewitness suggested an electrical malfunction.
Lingering Concerns and Potential Delays
The incident has left hundreds stranded in high heat and humidity, with visible trauma among attendees. The disruption is likely to delay the conclusion of COP30, potentially hindering progress on critical climate commitments. The UN has handed temporary control of the venue to Brazilian authorities while safety assessments are conducted.
The fire serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of international summits and the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness in high-stakes negotiations. The incident underscores how easily global climate talks can be derailed by unforeseen events, raising questions about the summit’s future trajectory.
