Chaos Erupts at COP30 as Fire Forces Evacuation

Fri Nov 21 2025 15:46:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The ongoing UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, faced unexpected turmoil when a fire broke out inside the venue, leading to a swift evacuation of participants. With the blaze impacting crucial negotiations, this incident adds a layer of unpredictability to an already tense climate summit.

During the final hours of COP30, hosted in Belém, Brazil, the climate talks were abruptly interrupted when a fire ignited, resulting in the evacuation of attendees. Reports indicate flames and smoke were visible, with 13 individuals treated for smoke inhalation, though the cause of the fire remains under investigation. This unexpected disruption has thrown the ongoing climate negotiations into disarray, with safety checks currently underway at the venue.

The UN climate talks COP30 have been evacuated due to a fire breaking out inside the venue in Belém, Brazil.

BBC journalists saw flames and smoke in the pavilion area before they were rushed outside where fire engines raced past.

The UN reported that the fire was extinguished within six minutes, and 13 individuals were treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.

The talks were in the final hours of attempting to reach an agreement on next steps to combat climate change, but the fire has interrupted negotiations and discussions remain closed.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with Dr. Harshita Umesh, who was speaking nearby, recalling how the fire quickly escalated: It was climbing the walls and onto the ceiling. People were screaming... I tripped and fell. Emergency responders treated injuries primarily related to smoke inhalation.

BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt reported heavy smoke rising from the venue, detailing the overwhelming panic as participants evacuated swiftly. Some delegations took refuge outside, and the venue is currently locked down as safety evaluations are conducted.

As negotiations falter, the urgency at COP30 intensifies with nearly 200 nations attempting to forge an agreement on actions to mitigate climate change.