By Manisha Sahu | America News World
November 21, 2025
The COP30 United Nations Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil, witnessed tense moments on Thursday afternoon after a sudden fire broke out at one of the country pavilions inside the highly sensitive Blue Zone. The incident led to a full evacuation of the venue, temporary suspension of summit operations, and medical attention for at least 13 people, though no major injuries were reported.
According to officials from the COP30 administration, the fire erupted a little after 2 pm local time — around 10:30 pm IST — sending fire alarms blaring across the venue and prompting a swift response from emergency teams. Delegates, staff members, volunteers, media personnel, and visitors were immediately instructed to leave the buildings using emergency exits. Within minutes, authorities cordoned off the entire COP30 site to prevent any further risk.
Rapid Evacuation Amid Rising Smoke
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic but orderly evacuation. The fire alarm, according to several delegates, sounded repeatedly as smoke from the affected pavilion began to spread to nearby areas. Volunteers and security officials, already trained in summit safety protocols, moved quickly to guide thousands of attendees out of the venue.
The incident took place inside the Blue Zone — the most restricted area of the conference, accessible only to accredited delegates, negotiators, government officials, and authorised media. This zone houses national pavilions, high-level negotiation spaces, press briefing rooms, and plenary halls where countries engage in climate diplomacy. The fire, according to early reports, broke out specifically at one of the country pavilions, though authorities had not yet disclosed which nation’s structure was affected.
Emergency responders, including firefighters stationed at the summit, acted promptly to contain the flames. Visuals captured by witnesses and later shared by news agencies showed large flames rising from the pavilion, accompanied by thick smoke. The footage quickly circulated online, drawing global attention and raising questions about safety preparedness at one of the world’s most high-profile climate events.
13 People Received Medical Care, No Severe Injuries
While the fire resulted in visible damage to infrastructure, the human impact remained relatively limited. COP30 authorities confirmed that 13 individuals required medical assistance, mostly for smoke inhalation, shock, and minor injuries sustained during evacuation. Fortunately, none of the affected persons were reported to be in critical condition.
Medical teams stationed inside the venue treated those impacted, and some were taken to local health facilities for further observation. Organisers emphasised that the quick evacuation and the immediate response from on-site responders prevented the situation from escalating into a major disaster.
Summit Operations Resume After Temporary Shutdown
Following the evacuation, COP authorities halted all summit activities while firefighters completed their inspection of the site. The venue remained under restricted access for several hours as teams worked to ensure that no hotspots or electrical hazards remained.
By Thursday evening — around 9 pm local time (5:30 am Friday IST) — operations gradually resumed. Delegates were informed that sessions scheduled for late evening would continue as planned, although some side events were either postponed or shifted to alternate spaces.
In a brief statement, the COP30 administrative office thanked emergency responders, volunteers, and delegates for their cooperation. The statement noted:
“Thanks to the rapid and coordinated action of our emergency teams, the fire was brought under control swiftly. We are relieved that no serious injuries have been reported. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all participants.”
Cause of the Fire Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze. Preliminary investigations are underway, led jointly by local fire officials, UN safety teams, and COP30 security personnel. Since the affected pavilion belonged to a participating country, diplomatic channels have also been engaged to assist in assessing damage and reviewing structural vulnerabilities.
Officials indicated that the construction material used for temporary pavilions, electrical installations, and high footfall may be evaluated as part of the probe. Large international summits like COP30 often rely on custom-built structures that must adhere to stringent safety codes, but the sheer scale of the event can introduce unforeseen challenges.
The fire is likely to prompt a broader review of safety protocols at the venue, especially as the summit continues to host thousands of participants daily. With several days of negotiations, side events, and official announcements still ahead, ensuring uninterrupted and safe operations remains a top priority.
Reactions From Delegates and Climate Groups
The incident sparked immediate reactions from diplomats, activists, and climate groups attending the summit. Many praised the efficient evacuation process but also highlighted the need for robust safety planning at global climate gatherings.
A European climate negotiator told America News World:
“It was frightening for a few minutes, especially with the smoke, but the evacuation was very well coordinated. The situation reminded us how essential safety infrastructure is, especially as the climate crisis intensifies extreme conditions worldwide.”
Several youth activists also shared that while the disruption temporarily halted discussions, the experience only strengthened their resolve to push for stronger climate action. One activist from Brazil noted that the fire served as an ironic reminder of the environmental damage the world is trying to address:
“Fire has become a symbol of the climate crisis — from Amazon wildfires to rising global temperatures. Experiencing it here at COP30 was surreal and unsettling.”
Summit Continues After Close Call
As COP30 resumes its packed schedule, delegates are expected to focus on major agenda items, including climate finance commitments, implementation of adaptation measures, and strategies to accelerate global decarbonisation. While Thursday’s fire brought an unexpected halt to proceedings, it did not dampen the momentum of ongoing negotiations.
Organisers assured participants that additional safety checks and monitoring will continue throughout the summit, and contingency plans have been updated to prevent future disruptions.
The brief but alarming incident underscored the complexity of hosting one of the world’s most significant diplomatic events — where thousands gather not only to negotiate the planet’s future but also to rely on the systems designed to protect them.