Belem, Brazil: (Rajeev Sharma): Climate negotiations at the COP30 summit were thrown into turmoil on Thursday after a fire broke out in the conference’s main operational hub, prompting a mass evacuation and leaving 21 participants needing medical attention.
The incident unfolded inside the heavily fortified Blue Zone, the section that hosts formal negotiations, press facilities, government delegations and the primary plenary hall. Witnesses described seeing flames race up decorative coverings along the structure’s sides before thick smoke filled the air.
Security staff and firefighters reacted within moments, deploying extinguishers and guiding delegates toward emergency exits. According to Brazilian officials, the blaze was brought under control in minutes, but the smoke spread rapidly enough to overwhelm several attendees.
The Ministry of Health later confirmed that 19 people were treated for inhaling smoke and two for anxiety-related symptoms. No one suffered burns. Twelve patients had been released by early evening, while others remained under observation as a precaution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who had been on-site at the time, was escorted out by his security team. India’s Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, present with the Indian delegation, also exited without harm, the Environment Ministry said.
With safety checks underway, authorities sealed off the entire venue immediately after the incident. The UNFCCC announced in a message to delegates that the site was not considered a UN space until Brazilian emergency officials completed inspections. The facility was eventually cleared and reopened at 8:40 p.m., though the pavilion area directly affected by the blaze will stay closed for the remainder of the summit.
All scheduled plenary proceedings for the day were cancelled, creating uncertainty for negotiators as they race to finalise agreements before Friday’s deadline. A joint statement from the COP30 Presidency and the UNFCCC acknowledged the setback but called on countries to resume work “with unity and purpose” to secure a meaningful outcome.
Initial reports from UNDSS noted that the fire spread quickly through textile materials lining the temporary structure. Uniformed security personnel assisted in managing the crowd and ensuring an orderly exit. A headcount later confirmed that all UN system staff were accounted for.
Outside, delegates were met with sudden heavy rainfall minutes after evacuating, compounding the difficulties for thousands forced out into open areas.
The Green Zone—home to public events, exhibits and civil society activities—remained unaffected and continued operating throughout the day.
COP30, being held in the Amazonian city of Belem from November 10 to 21, brings together representatives from more than 190 nations to negotiate global climate action. The unexpected disruption now puts added pressure on negotiators as they attempt to wrap up critical discussions in the summit’s final hours.
