A major scare unfolded at the UN climate summit COP30 in Belém, Brazil, after a fire broke out inside the main venue, forcing thousands of delegates, observers and staff to evacuate amid panic and confusion. The blaze, which began in the pavilion area, sent flames and thick smoke through the structure before emergency teams brought it under control.
The UN confirmed that the fire was extinguished within six minutes, though 13 people were treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the blaze has not yet been officially determined, but one eyewitness told the BBC he believed it started due to an electrical fault.
BBC journalists on the ground reported seeing flames spreading rapidly, with security personnel rushing attendees out of the complex as fire engines raced in. The incident came during the final hours of tense negotiations, severely disrupting proceedings and raising concerns about delays to a closing agreement.
Eyewitnesses describe panic as flames reached the ceiling
“It was climbing the walls and onto the ceiling. People were screaming,” said Dr Harshita Umesh, who was giving a presentation near the spot where the fire broke out. She described tripping during the evacuation and noted that ambulance staff informed her that several first responders inhaled “toxic fumes” and required oxygen support.
Emergency medicine specialist Dr Kimberly Humphrey, working at the COP medical centre, said most injuries involved smoke inhalation, with one patient suffering lung damage. “People are pretty traumatised and shocked,” she said.
BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, who witnessed the initial evacuation, described “huge columns of smoke rising up through the hole burnt in the top of the conference centre” as security guards instructed attendees to leave immediately.
Evacuated delegates left waiting in extreme heat
Following the evacuation, hundreds of delegates were left sitting on the ground or on plastic chairs outside the venue in high heat and humidity. Two ambulances were seen driving toward the entrance more than 90 minutes after the fire, indicating prolonged medical response operations.
A Brazilian security officer was seen locking the venue gates, telling reporters that the premises had to be fully evacuated and secured. Video footage showed flames burning through the sheeting of the former aerodrome structure while a man attempted to douse the fire with an extinguisher before fleeing as the blaze intensified.
A woman was also taken away in a wheelchair, though it remains unclear whether her condition was related to the incident.
Negotiations halted as UN hands control to Brazilian authorities
Delegates from multiple countries, including the UK, were forced to take temporary shelter outside — some reportedly under the roof of a petrol station. Negotiations were abruptly halted, with diplomatic teams unable to continue discussions at a critical stage in the summit.
The UN said the Brazilian fire brigade is now assessing the building’s safety, and that local authorities have temporarily taken control of the venue.
COP30, attended by thousands of participants and nearly 200 national delegations, is aimed at determining next steps in the global effort to tackle climate change. With talks already pushed to the brink, the fire has introduced an unexpected obstacle that may delay the closing of a deal.
Conclusion
As safety inspections continue and the venue remains closed, uncertainty hangs over the final outcome of COP30. While the fire was quickly extinguished and major injuries avoided, the disruption has stalled crucial negotiations at a pivotal moment in the climate talks. Delegates now await updates on when — and how — discussions can resume.