Fire Incident at UN Climate Conference in Brazil
A fire occurred on Thursday at the U.N. climate talks (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, necessitating evacuations and resulting in 13 individuals receiving treatment for smoke inhalation. The incident took place on the penultimate day of the conference.
Organizers reported that the fire was contained within approximately six minutes. Fire officials subsequently ordered the evacuation of the entire conference site. Information regarding the resumption of the talks was not immediately available.
Origin and Impact
Brazil's Tourism Minister, Celso Sabino, informed journalists at the scene that the fire initiated near the China Pavilion, which was among various pavilions set up for events supplementary to the climate discussions. Samuel Rubin, associated with an entertainment and culture pavilion, stated that the fire spread to adjacent pavilions, including those designated for African countries and youth-focused initiatives. Video footage depicted significant flames within one of the affected pavilions, which are reinforced canvas or fabric structures.
Para state Gov. Helder Barbalho suggested that a generator malfunction or an electrical short circuit in a booth might have been the cause of the fire.
Venue Condition and Witness Account
A considerable portion of the summit venue in Belem was still under construction prior to the conference opening. Features observed included exposed beams, unfinished plywood floors, and metal-meshed corridors leading to non-operational areas outside the main convention center. Construction activities, such as drilling and jackhammering, were noted during a pre-summit event while speeches were delivered.
Gabi Andrade, a volunteer from Belem working with COP30, described observing black smoke and being directed to an exit by security personnel following the outbreak of the fire.