The pivotal UN climate conference, COP30, was abruptly interrupted on Thursday when a fire erupted within the venue in Belém, Brazil, prompting a large-scale evacuation and potentially postponing the summit’s final agreement. BBC correspondents on-site reported witnessing flames and smoke in the pavilion area before being swiftly evacuated. Fire engines were seen speeding toward the location, a repurposed aerodrome now functioning as the conference center. Initial reports suggest the fire originated in one of the country pavilions. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with Dr. Harshita Umesh, a speaker nearby, recounting, “It was climbing the walls and onto the ceiling. People were screaming. Then I ran, I think I tripped and fell.” Medical teams responded promptly, with emergency medicine specialist Kimberly Humphrey noting that injuries were primarily related to smoke inhalation, including one case of lung damage. Dr. Umesh confirmed that while no burn injuries were reported, some first responders inhaled toxic fumes and required oxygen masks. A woman was seen being wheeled away, though her condition’s direct link to the fire remains unclear. The incident occurred during the summit’s critical final hours, where nearly 200 nations were striving to reach consensus on climate action. The fire has effectively paused negotiations, with several delegations, including the UK’s, seeking shelter outside under a nearby petrol station’s roof. Hundreds of attendees were left sitting outdoors in sweltering heat and humidity, while others opted to leave the venue entirely. The UN, overseeing the climate talks, confirmed that fire safety checks are underway, with Brazilian authorities temporarily managing the summit. The fire is expected to delay the finalization of COP30’s agreement.
Fire erupts at COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil, disrupting final hours of negotiations
