A fire broke out on Thursday at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, forcing a full evacuation of the main venue. The fire occurred in the “Blue Zone,” where delegates hold negotiations and visit country pavilions.
Firefighters and UN security brought the blaze under control within six minutes. Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries were reported.
The fire caused a temporary halt to negotiations at a critical stage, with nearly 200 countries discussing important issues like phasing out fossil fuels, climate finance, and trade. Early reports suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit or a generator problem in the pavilion area.
While the “Green Zone,” open to the public, remained operational, the main negotiation area was closed for safety checks, delaying key discussions. Authorities and the UN confirmed that the venue was safe before sessions resumed later in the evening.
The incident highlights safety concerns at the summit venue, which had faced earlier issues with wiring and infrastructure. The fire reduced valuable time for delegates to reach agreements, adding pressure as the COP30 talks continue.
Also Read: Bay of Bengal on cyclone alert, Andaman gets rain
