A sudden fire broke out at the main venue of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, on Thursday morning, causing panic among delegates and temporarily halting critical negotiations. The blaze erupted in a pavilion within the conference’s ‘blue zone,’ an area under UN control, near the entrance of the summit site. Smoke quickly filled the corridors, prompting attendees to evacuate as emergency crews rushed to extinguish the flames. The fire, which tore a hole in the fabric roof of the venue, was brought under control without any reported injuries, according to Brazilian Tourism Minister Celso Sabino. The cause remains under investigation, with initial speculation pointing to a possible electrical malfunction. Jamaican Minister of Environment Matthew Samuda confirmed the safety of all members of the Jamaican delegation and extended well wishes to those affected by the incident. He also expressed gratitude to the emergency responders for their swift action. Samuda stated that the delegation is awaiting official communication to resume negotiations, which are expected to continue later Thursday evening. The fire occurred during a pivotal moment in the two-week conference, as ministers were engaged in intense discussions on fossil fuels, climate finance, and trade measures. Windyo Laksono, a member of the Indonesian delegation, noted that the incident would likely delay the negotiation process, emphasizing the critical nature of the final stages of the summit. Nearly 200 countries have been working to address key climate issues, including Brazil’s proposed roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels and concerns over emissions-reduction plans and trade barriers. Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged negotiators to reach an ‘ambitious compromise,’ highlighting the global significance of the outcomes from COP30. The summit is scheduled to conclude on Friday evening, with nations awaiting a new draft-negotiating text.