• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

COP30 fire news:A fire inside the COP30 climate summit venue on Thursday forced a full evacuation of thousands of delegates, disrupting tense, last-hour negotiations aimed at securing a global climate agreement. The blaze, which broke out shortly after lunchtime at the conference centre in Belém, was quickly contained by Brazilian firefighters, officials confirmed.

Fire Under Control, But Talks Remain Suspended

Brazil’s tourism minister said the fire was under control and that no one had been seriously injured. However, he noted that it was still unclear whether delegates would be able to return to the main negotiation halls later on Thursday or Friday, as safety inspections were still underway.

Summit organisers confirmed that the Brazilian fire brigade ordered the evacuation of the entire premises as a precautionary measure. The UN climate body stated that safety checks were ongoing and an update would be provided later in the afternoon, according to reports from Reuters.

According to the BBC, flames and smoke were first spotted in one of the pavilion areas, prompting security teams to rush people out. A siren triggered a rapid evacuation as delegates, observers, and media personnel scrambled for the exits while police cordoned off the affected area.

Footage showed flames rapidly climbing the internal fabric lining of an exhibition pavilion. The fire, reportedly sparked by electrical equipment, possibly a microwave, was controlled within six minutes, authorities said. Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation. Medical teams at the site told the BBC that some first responders had inhaled “toxic fumes” and required oxygen support.

Critical Climate Negotiations Interrupted

The incident disrupted crucial negotiations involving nearly 200 participating countries, who were attempting to reach consensus on issues such as climate finance and a proposed global roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels. The summit had already missed a Wednesday deadline to finalize key elements of the agreement.

According to Reuters, Brazil had earlier circulated a new draft proposal among select governments, calling for a tripling of adaptation finance by 2030. However, the draft did not outline a timeline or a concrete plan for phasing out fossil fuels — a central expectation for several nations. Some negotiators said to Reuters that they were still reviewing the text when the fire alarm forced an abrupt halt to discussions.

ALSO READ: Chartered Plane Crashes In Congo: Shocking Footage Reveals Runway Fire, Smoke-Filled Escape | VIDEO

Outside the venue, hundreds of delegates waited under makeshift shade structures, sitting on pavements, chairs, and near a petrol station as temperatures and humidity remained high. A Brazilian security officer was seen locking the gates, indicating that the site had been temporarily placed under the control of local authorities.

ALSO READ: Saudi Accident: Video Shows Bus Carrying Indian Pilgrims In Flames After Collision With Tanker | Watch

With less than 24 hours remaining before the summit’s scheduled close, the fire has added fresh complications to an already tense and divided negotiating atmosphere. Negotiations are expected to resume on Friday morning, depending on the outcome of ongoing safety inspections.

With inputs from agency.

Also In News