COP30 Evacuated After Major Fire; 13 Treated for Smoke Inhalation

A major fire broke out on the afternoon of November 20 at the COP30 venue in Belém, Brazil, prompting a large-scale evacuation. According to organisers, thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation after the blaze erupted in the pavilion area of the conference centre.

The conference has around 56,000 registered delegates, though the number present at the time is unclear. In the statement, COP30 Presidency said the fire began in the Blue Zone and was brought under control within six minutes, with all attendees safely evacuated and medical teams monitoring those treated for smoke inhalation.

Brazil’s Tourism Minister Celso Sabino confirmed that the fire was under control and that no serious injuries were reported. He said initial assessments suggest the blaze began near the China pavilion before spreading to several Africa pavilions.

Following the incident, authorities temporarily closed the venue. By late evening, the COP30 Presidency announced that the site had been inspected, declared safe by the fire department, and handed back to the UNFCCC. The sessions scheduled for Friday would proceed as planned and be open to Parties, Observers, and the media.

In the lead-up to COP30, concerns had been raised about Belém’s capacity to host the massive number of attendees, with cruise ships and “love motels” repurposed as temporary accommodation. Despite generally smooth operations, the venue experienced issues such as leaks caused by heavy rainfall during the summit’s 10-day run.