Fire interrupts COP30 negotiations while UN chief calls for deal

BELEM, Brazil —A fire at the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, forced the evacuation of thousands of delegates on Thursday and temporarily suspended negotiations at a critical stage of the talks.

The blaze broke out inside the summit venue, burning through the roof of one of the pavilions and filling corridors with smoke. Witnesses reported scenes of confusion as attendees rushed toward exits while shouting that a fire had started.

It was the third major disruption since the summit opened last week in the Amazon region. Earlier incidents included Indigenous protesters briefly storming and later blocking the venue in peaceful demonstrations.

Summit organizers from Brazil and the United Nations Climate Change office said security teams responded quickly and contained the fire within about six minutes. The venue suffered limited damage and was expected to reopen no earlier than 8:00 pm local time on Thursday.

Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation, according to a joint statement. Firefighters and ambulances arrived moments after smoke was seen billowing from the temporary tents and permanent structures hosting diplomats, journalists, observers and activists attending the two week gathering.

Witness Accounts

Kimberly Humphrey, an emergency medical doctor attending the summit with Doctors for the Environment Australia, said she learned of the fire during a meeting. She described a scene where she could smell burning plastic and see smoke, but heard no alarms.

“There were no alarms, no whistles, only people running and yelling,” she said. Humphrey began assisting other medical personnel treating individuals affected by smoke and shock. She described the experience as surreal, saying it generated a sudden sense of fear and uncertainty about evacuation routes and safety procedures.

Infrastructure Concerns

Brazilian Tourism Minister Celso Sabino said investigators were examining the cause of the fire, which may have stemmed from a short circuit or other electrical problems.

“There were exposed wires and water dripping onto electrical panels,” two employees from a pavilion operated by an international organization told AFP on condition of anonymity. They said they had previously reported electrical risks but no corrective action was taken.

Some senior participants noted that technical difficulties in the venue during the summit’s opening days had already raised concerns. UN climate chief Simon Stiell had earlier cited security issues, poor air conditioning and water leaking near light fixtures during heavy rainfall.

A source close to summit organizers acknowledged that such challenges could have led observers to believe an incident was possible.

Talks Stalled at Crucial Stage

The fire halted face to face negotiations as delegates shifted to virtual meetings until the venue could reopen. The interruption came on the second to last day of talks, as ministers attempted to resolve disagreements over fossil fuel phase out language, climate finance for developing nations and trade related climate measures.

“It will absolutely delay the process because this is the crucial time,” said Indonesian negotiator Windyo Laksono. “Some of us were still negotiating inside the room but due to the fire the process will stop for a while.”

The talks remain deadlocked over Brazil’s proposal for a transition roadmap away from fossil fuels, the strength of national emissions reduction plans and financial commitments.

Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged delegates to deliver a meaningful deal, telling negotiators that “the world is watching” and calling for an ambitious compromise.