A fire erupted on Thursday within the venue of the UN climate summit in Brazil, damaging the roof and leading to a chaotic evacuation, which halted discussions at a critical juncture.
The fire began around 2 PM, affecting various pavilions at the site in Belem and creating a large hole in the fabric ceiling. As smoke spread through the corridors, attendees rushed for safety, shouting “fire!”
This incident marked the third significant occurrence since the start of the Cop30 negotiations last week in the Amazon, following protests by Indigenous groups, who had previously entered the venue and later blocked the entrance in a peaceful demonstration.
Security personnel acted quickly, managing to control the flames within approximately six minutes, according to a joint statement from the Brazilian hosts and United Nations Climate Change.
Firefighters and ambulances arrived amid loud sirens as thick smoke poured from the large tents and structures accommodating tens of thousands of diplomats, journalists, and activists participating in the two-week event.
Nineteen individuals received treatment for smoke inhalation, while two others were treated for anxiety, as reported by the Brazilian presidency overseeing the summit.
The venue was declared reopened at 8:40 PM following a fire department inspection, although plenary sessions are set to resume on Friday. The area affected by the fire was cordoned off with a large sheet, and individuals who had left belongings behind were escorted back one by one to retrieve their items, including those needing passports for upcoming flights.
