A fire occurred on Thursday at the COP30 United Nations climate talks venue in Belém, Brazil, prompting a full evacuation of the premises and disrupting scheduled negotiations. The incident took place on the penultimate day of the conference, which is being attended by thousands of delegates from nearly 200 countries.
Incident Details
Flames and smoke were observed within a pavilion area of the conference site, which is situated in a former aerodrome. Brazil's Tourism Minister, Celso Sabino, informed journalists that the fire initiated near the China Pavilion. Samuel Rubin, associated with an entertainment and culture pavilion, stated that the fire subsequently spread to adjacent pavilions, including those designated for African countries and youth-focused initiatives. These pavilions were described as reinforced canvas or fabric structures. Video footage depicted significant flames within one of the affected pavilions, and the fire caused a hole in the sheeting covering the venue. An individual was observed deploying a fire extinguisher at the blaze.
Response and Impact
Organizers reported that the fire was contained within approximately six minutes. Fire officials ordered the evacuation of the entire conference site, leading delegates to return to their accommodations. Media personnel, including BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, were among those directed to evacuate. A representative of the UK delegation confirmed the disruption of scheduled negotiations.
Regarding injuries, the Brazilian government confirmed that the fire was under control and initially reported no injuries. However, organizers later reported that 13 individuals received treatment for smoke inhalation. One individual was transported from the scene in a wheelchair, though a direct connection to the fire has not been established.
Investigation and Potential Causes
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Para state Governor Helder Barbalho suggested that a generator malfunction or an electrical short circuit in a booth might have been the origin. An eyewitness account also suggested an electrical fire as a potential cause.
Venue Context and Witness Accounts
Prior to the conference opening, a substantial portion of the summit venue in Belém was reportedly still under construction. Observations included exposed beams, unfinished plywood floors, and metal-meshed corridors leading to non-operational areas outside the main convention center. Construction activities, such such as drilling and jackhammering, were noted during a pre-summit event while speeches were delivered.
Gabi Andrade, a volunteer from Belém working with COP30, described observing black smoke and being directed to an exit by security personnel following the outbreak of the fire.