Brazil (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A significant fire broke out at the COP30 climate conference venue in Belem, Brazil, causing the evacuation of thousands and major disruption to the summit. Although authorities quickly brought the blaze under control with no reported injuries, the incident has raised concerns about venue safety and postponed critical climate negotiations.
Fire Causes Evacuation at COP30 Venue
As reported by Justin Rowlatt, BBC Climate Editor, there was “huge panic” as an intense fire erupted inside a pavilion at the COP30 venue in Belem, Brazil. Large columns of thick smoke billowed from the roof, compelling UN guards to order an immediate evacuation of the conference centre where delegates, journalists, and observers had gathered.
The fire broke out in one of the country pavilions, situated in a conference centre built on a former aerodrome. Videos captured by journalists show orange flames breaking through protective sheeting, while security personnel secured the area with barriers and evacuation orders.
Authorities Respond and Contain the Fire
Brazil’s tourism minister, Celso Sabino, confirmed on television that the fire had been brought under control and that no injuries were reported. Emergency services rapidly arrived on the scene, with ambulances seen approaching the venue shortly after the fire started. Brazilian fire officials mandated a full evacuation and locked down the affected zones for safety assessments.
Kimberly Humphrey, an emergency medicine expert volunteering at the COP30 medical centre, told the BBC that injuries were primarily related to smoke inhalation, with one individual sustaining lung injury, though official reports confirm no serious harm.
Impact on COP30 Proceedings and Negotiations
The fire struck amid an already intense period of negotiation as nearly 200 nations had been meeting to discuss critical issues such as climate finance and the transition away from fossil fuels. The venue evacuation disrupted vital discussions and cast uncertainty over whether talks could resume immediately or face delays.
Organizers noted the summit had missed a self-imposed deadline for agreement on contentious climate issues just days before, and the fire adds increased pressure to conclude talks promptly before the summit’s scheduled Friday end date.
Witness Accounts and Scene Description
Eyewitnesses describe a chaotic scene as sirens blared while delegates and media personnel rushed for exits carrying their belongings. Police formed cordons to prevent access to the fire-affected areas, while some delegates captured social media videos showing thick smoke and flames.
The fire reportedly began in the African pavilion, a dedicated space for panel discussions and exhibits on climate action. One video showed an individual attempting to extinguish flames with a fire extinguisher before fleeing the scene.
Safety Concerns Raised Amid Summit
Following the fire, concerns surfaced regarding the security and safety standards of the COP30 venue. Brazilian diplomat overseeing summit preparations had earlier flagged issues including unsecured emergency exits and faulty lighting fixtures exposed to rainwater.
These safety lapses are under increasing scrutiny as delegates demand assurances their lives are not at risk amid heated global climate negotiations.
The fire at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, caused huge columns of smoke and forced thousands to evacuate the climate summit venue swiftly. Despite the intensity of the fire, there were no reported injuries, and authorities contained the blaze quickly. However, the incident interrupted critical negotiations and raised concerns about venue safety just as nations seek consensus on major climate policies ahead of the summit’s close.
