A fire ripped through several pavilions at the COP30 climate summit in Belem on Thursday, triggering evacuations and stalling negotiations just as delegates entered a decisive phase.The blaze, which tore through the roof of a temporary structure at the entrance to the venue, sent thousands of attendees fleeing as smoke rapidly filled enclosed corridors, according to AFP.Organisers said the fire was extinguished within six minutes, but 13 people were treated for smoke inhalation and the entire site was shut down until late evening, reported the Associated Press. The incident occurred on the penultimate day of the conference, where nearly 200 nations are attempting to resolve disputes over fossil-fuel transition, climate finance and trade-linked measures.Around 4.20 pm, the COP30 presidency said the blaze had been brought under control “with limited damage,” but confirmed that delegates would not be allowed back into the negotiation halls until later Thursday evening, reported The New York Times.Early accounts suggested the blaze started near the Africa pavilion, The New York Times reported. However, Brazil’s tourism minister Celso Sabino later said it appeared to have ignited close to the China Pavilion and may have been caused by an electrical short circuit or generator failure, according to AP. Video from the scene showed flames punching through canvas rooftops as fire crews rushed in.The venue is a mix of massive tents and semi-permanent structures built on a former airfield and had faced criticism all week for leaks, sweltering temperatures and exposed wiring. Stiell, the UN climate chief, had earlier flagged safety and security concerns to the Brazilian presidency, according to AFP. NYT also reported that parts of the site were still being completed even as the summit opened, with exposed beams and unfinished corridors.Amid the rush to escape, local volunteer Gabi Andrade said she saw black smoke spreading overhead as security personnel guided people to the exits. “It’s so sad for us… we all worked so hard,” she said.The summit has drawn thousands of participants from nearly 200 countries, who are attempting to reach agreement on accelerating cuts to planet-heating emissions.With the venue cordoned off, several delegations shifted to virtual meetings as officials assessed damage and tried to ensure the talks could resume before the summit’s scheduled close.
