Fire Incidents Force Evacuations at U.N. Climate Summit in Brazil

Disaster Strikes Near Event Conclusion

A video shared by Catherine Ellis captures the unsettling scene as flames consumed sections of the COP30 U.N. Climate Conference in Belem, Brazil.

In Belem, a blaze erupted Thursday at the venue hosting international climate discussions, leading to the immediate evacuation of facilities on the penultimate day of the convention. Emergency services attended to 13 individuals affected by inhaling smoke.

Quick Response Minimizes Damage

Conference organizers announced that firefighters extinguished the blaze within approximately six minutes. The entire location, designated for the COP30 event, was vacated under advisement from fire authorities. Resumption of the talks remains uncertain.

Brazil’s Tourism Minister, Celso Sabino, reported that the fire emerged close to the China Pavilion. This pavilion was one of several erected for peripheral events at the climate conference.

Cause and Impact of the Fire

Samuel Rubin, who managed part of an entertainment and culture area, mentioned that the fire swiftly extended to the surrounding pavilions. Nearby structures included those representing African interests and initiatives focused on young people.

Visual footage depicted intense flames within the pavilions, described as durable fabric or canvas enclosures, each made up of three walls and a floor.

Governor Helder Barbalho speculated to G1 news that either a generator malfunction or an electrical issue may have sparked the incident.

Infrastructure Concerns

Much of the assembly site's construction was ongoing even as the conference began. There were incomplete areas with open, plank floors, metallic pathways leading nowhere, and workers engaged in noisy construction activities amidst speeches.

Personal Accounts and Emotional Reactions

Security personnel guided attendees out as the emergency unfolded. Gabi Andrade, a volunteer from the host city, was taking a break when she noticed the black smoke. A guard helped her escape as she panicked, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Despite the immediate chaos, Gabi expressed concern over the implications for Brazil's hosting capabilities. She commented sorrowfully on the efforts put into organizing the event: “It’s heartbreaking for us as we have worked immensely hard.”