Massive fire breaks out at Cop30 climate summit venue in Brazil, 13 hospitalised for smoke inhalation

The COP30 climate summit was disrupted in Brazil on Thursday after a massive fire broke out at the venue, prompting a swift evacuation. The fire occurred while negotiators were preparing to attempt to secure a deal to strengthen international efforts to address the climate crisis.

According to The Guardian,13 people were rushed to the hospital and were being treated for smoke inhalation. The fire broke out in the pavilion area of the conference centre in Belém, Brazil. The authorities noted that the cause of the fire, which was brought under control within minutes, was being investigated. However, it was believed to be an electrical device, probably a microwave, Reuters reported, citing the local fire department.

“Earlier today, a fire broke out in the blue zone of the Cop30 venue in Belém,” the UN organiser’s statement said. “The fire department and UN security officers responded swiftly, and the fire was controlled in approximately six minutes. People were evacuated safely.”