Major Fire at COP30 Pavilions in Belém Forces Evacuations; 13 Treated for Smoke Inhalation

A large fire erupted on Thursday in the pavilion area of the COP30 venue in Belém, prompting the evacuation of multiple buildings and on-site treatment for 13 people suffering from smoke inhalation. Videos from the scene showed thick black smoke as emergency teams worked to contain the blaze.

Rapid response and medical updates

Organisers said the fire department and UN security officers responded swiftly and that the flames were brought under control in approximately six minutes. Thirteen individuals were treated on site for smoke inhalation; their condition is being monitored and appropriate medical care has been provided. After an inspection, the Fire Department declared the affected area safe, and parts of the venue were reinstated and resumed operations by 8:40pm, although sections will remain isolated for further safety checks until the conference concludes.

Likely cause and site conditions

Authorities and observers pointed to an electrical fault as the probable cause, with reports that the blaze began near the China Pavilion. Brazil's Tourism Minister Celso Sabino said the fire started in that area and spread quickly to neighbouring booths. Para state governor Helder Barbalho suggested a generator failure or a short circuit in a booth may have initiated the incident. No serious injuries have been reported.

Eyewitness accounts and reactions

Gabi Andrade, a local volunteer working at the conference, said she saw black smoke while visiting a pavilion and was quickly escorted to safety by security staff as people around her cried and shouted 'fire.' She expressed concern for Brazil's reputation as host after weeks of preparation: 'It's so sad for us. We all worked so hard.'

Viliami Vainga Tone of the Tonga delegation said he had just left a ministerial meeting when people rushed past shouting about the fire. Pushed out of the venue by security teams, he warned that the disruption shortens precious negotiating time but urged colleagues to remain optimistic: 'There is always tomorrow, if not the remainder of today.'

Impact on negotiations

The incident adds pressure as negotiators race to reach agreement with only two scheduled days remaining. Brazil, as host, had been working to secure consensus among roughly 190 countries after missing a self-imposed deadline for a first set of deals. Delegates are focused on contentious topics such as the timetable for phasing out fossil fuels and mechanisms to finance global climate action.

'We are down to the wire and the world is watching Belém,' said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, urging delegations to show flexibility and compromise to deliver results for communities on the front lines of the climate crisis.

The fire department continues to investigate the origin of the blaze while organisers and local authorities monitor the site. Conference operations have resumed in parts of the venue, but safety checks and supervision remain in place as talks continue.