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Fire Forces Evacuation At COP30 Venue
A fire broke out at the main venue of the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, prompting a full evacuation and briefly halting negotiations. Officials said the blaze was controlled within minutes, and thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation.
How The Incident Unfolded
The fire originated in the Blue Zone pavilion, the area where official negotiations take place. Emergency teams from the Brazilian fire service and UN security ordered an immediate evacuation as smoke spread through adjoining structures. The venue was closed for several hours for safety inspections and electrical checks.
Impact On Climate Negotiations
The incident came during critical sessions on climate finance and fossil fuel transition. Several meetings were delayed or shifted to temporary locations while engineers assessed the integrity of the affected pavilions. Delegates were advised to wait for clearance before returning to the negotiation halls.
Preliminary Cause Under Review
Early assessments suggest the fire may have been caused by a technical fault, possibly linked to a generator or electrical short circuit. Parts of the venue were still undergoing construction work, raising concerns over whether incomplete structures contributed to the hazard.
What Happens Next
Organisers confirmed that the Green Zone, which hosts public events and exhibitions, remains open. Negotiations in the Blue Zone will resume once safety officials give clearance. Delegates have been told to follow updated schedules as the conference seeks to return to normal operations.
