BELEM, Brazil (AP) - A fire briefly erupted within the pavilions hosting the U.N. climate talks in Belem, Brazil, on the next-to-last day of COP30, resulting in the evacuation of attendees and treatment for 13 individuals suffering from smoke inhalation. Fire officials managed to control the blaze within approximately six minutes, but the entire conference site was evacuated and closed for around seven hours following the incident.
After the venue reopened, attendees gradually returned, some stopping to take pictures in the illuminated entrance area. Others made their way back to distant rooms to continue negotiations or to retrieve personal items left behind in the chaos. Security personnel set up metal barricades to restrict access to the affected pavilions, which were concealed behind a curtain due to the damage caused by the fire.
According to Brazil's Tourism Minister Celso Sabino, the fire originated near the China Pavilion, which was one of several setups for side events during the climate talks. Video footage revealed flames igniting along a wall close to a group of the African pavilions and the Climate Live Entertainment + Culture Pavilion. Samuel Rubin, who oversees the Climate Live pavilion, noted that the fire rapidly spread to neighboring pavilions.
Visuals captured the intense flames engulfing one of the pavilions, constructed from reinforced canvas or fabric, typically featuring three walls and a floor. Para state Governor Helder Barbalho informed the local news outlet G1 that a generator malfunction or a short circuit in a booth could have sparked the fire.
Much of the conference venue in Belem was still undergoing construction up until the start of COP30. Workers were seen attending to ongoing projects, and the sound of drilling and jackhammering punctuated speeches delivered by world leaders at a pre-summit event when tensions ran high due to the unfinished state of the facility.
Gabi Andrade, a volunteer from Belem, recounted her experience during the fire. She had been working on accreditations for three weeks and was exploring the Singapore pavilion after her first free afternoon when the blaze erupted. Andrade witnessed black smoke filling the area and was swiftly assisted by a security guard. As they fled together, she recalled her panic, calling out “fire.” Despite her shock, she expressed concern about the potential impact on Brazil’s reputation as host of the conference, stating, “It’s so sad for us. We all worked so hard.”
This incident highlights serious safety concerns regarding the infrastructure of the COP30 venue, which had been criticized for being incomplete and potentially hazardous. The fire and subsequent evacuation further emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of participants at high-stakes international events, particularly those centered on global issues like climate change.
The Associated Press coverage of climate and environmental issues is made possible through financial backing from various private foundations, maintaining a commitment to uphold journalistic standards and integrity throughout its reporting.
