A fire briefly swept through pavilions at the COP30 U.N. climate talks in Belem, Brazil, on the penultimate day of the conference, prompting an evacuation and leaving 13 people treated for smoke inhalation.
Organisers said the blaze was controlled within six minutes, but the entire venue remained closed for about seven hours as safety inspections were carried out. Attendees gradually returned to the site, with security staff cordoning off damaged pavilions.
Brazil’s Tourism Minister, Celso Sabino, said the fire started near the China Pavilion, spreading quickly to adjacent structures, including the Africa pavilions and the Climate Live Entertainment + Culture Pavilion. Para state Governor Helder Barbalho suggested a generator failure or short circuit may have triggered the fire.
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Video footage captured large flames consuming the reinforced-canvas pavilions, which were still partially under construction with exposed beams, plywood floors, and metal-meshed corridors. The venue had experienced construction activity until shortly before the conference began.
Volunteers and attendees described a sudden rush to evacuate. Gabi Andrade, a COP30 volunteer, recalled being led out by a security guard while smoke filled the air, expressing concern over the impact of the incident on Brazil’s reputation as host.
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Despite the disruption, negotiations resumed later in the day, with attendees cautiously returning to the venue to continue discussions and retrieve belongings.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
