News|ClimateCOP30 attendees in Brazil forced to evacuate pavilion following fireOfficials at the climate conference say the fire was contained within six minutes, and 13 attendees were treated for smoke inhalation.
Sao Paulo, Brazil – Attendees have been forced to evacuate the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP30, after a fire broke out at the venue in Belem, Brazil.
Sao Paulo, Brazil – Attendees have been forced to evacuate the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP30, after a fire broke out at the venue in Belem, Brazil.
There were no injuries in Thursday’s blaze, according to Brazil’s Tourism Minister Celso Sabino. In a news conference afterwards, he downplayed the seriousness of the fire.
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Organisers reported that the evacuation was “fast” and the fire was controlled within six minutes, leaving only minor damage.
Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation, according to a joint statement from the UN and COP30 leaders.
There were no injuries in Thursday’s blaze, according to Brazil’s Tourism Minister Celso Sabino.
The affected area, known as the Blue Zone, is expected to remain closed until 8pm local time (23:00 GMT).
The cause of the fire remains unclear. But Helder Barbalho — the governor of the state of Para, where the summit is taking place — told the Brazilian channel GloboNews that authorities believe a generator failure or short circuit might have sparked the incident.
On social media, Barbalho assured the public that other parts of the COP30 conference zone continued to be in operation.
“We will find out what caused it, whether we can restart work here in the Blue Zone today or not,” he wrote. “The Green Zone is operating normally.”
Reports emerged about 2pm local time (17:00 GMT) of flames in the Blue Zone pavilion, a restricted area for negotiators and accredited media.
Advertisement Videos on social media showed scenes of panic and security officials ordering attendees to exit the venue.
caralho, fogo na zona azul aqui da COP 30. uma loucura de gente correndo. meu deus!
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.