Massive fire erupts at UN COP30 Brazil many injured
A sudden fire erupted around 2 pm Thursday in the Blue Zone, disrupting key meetings and sending everyone rushing to safety.
A massive fire broke out at the COP30 climate summit venue in Belém, Brazil, sending shockwaves through the global gathering and forcing thousands of delegates to evacuate. The incident unfolded just as negotiators were working intensely to finalise a critical climate deal, turning what should have been a focused day of discussions into a scene of panic and urgency. At least 21 people were injured, with several videos of the blaze and the chaotic evacuation quickly circulating across social media, giving the world a glimpse into the tense moments inside the venue.
According to Reuters, 13 people were treated on-site for smoke inhalation shortly after the fire. The local fire service later revealed that the blaze was likely triggered by electrical equipment—possibly a microwave—located within one of the office areas. Thankfully, firefighters acted swiftly and managed to bring the situation under control within six minutes, preventing what could have been a far more devastating outcome.
The fire reportedly started around 2 pm on Thursday in the highly sensitive “Blue Zone,” the heart of the summit. This is the area where all major meetings, high-level negotiations, country pavilions, the media centre, and the offices of senior dignitaries are located. It also includes the main plenary hall—making this zone the most crucial and heavily populated section of the entire conference.
The moment the fire alarm triggered and word spread through the corridors, people began rushing toward exits. Delegates, staffers, journalists and officials hurriedly left meeting rooms, many abandoning documents, laptops and personal belongings. Security personnel immediately formed a human barrier across the hallway to guide the evacuation and prevent any chaos in the narrow passageways. Within minutes, thousands were outside the venue, standing together under the scorching afternoon sun, anxiously waiting for updates.
Authorities shut down the entire venue for a thorough safety inspection. After several hours of checks, the site was reopened at 8:40 pm—over six hours after the fire. However, the country pavilions, which were directly affected by the blaze, remained closed to ensure no hidden risks persisted.
In an official statement, the Brazilian Ministry of Health confirmed, “…according to updated data as of 6 pm this Thursday, 21 people have received medical care as a result of the fire that affected the Blue Zone of the event.” Of these, 19 suffered from smoke inhalation, while two experienced anxiety-related episodes caused by the sudden emergency. Thankfully, no burn injuries were reported.
The remaining individuals are receiving appropriate care in health facilities in Belém and in a designated referral unit for such cases.” Teams from municipal, state and federal health departments continue to monitor the affected individuals and provide necessary support.
It later emerged that UN Secretary-General António Guterres was inside the venue at the time of the fire. He was swiftly escorted out by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in a precautionary evacuation.
A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed that he and other Indian officials exited safely and resumed their engagements once the venue was declared secure.
With the fire contained and operations gradually returning to normal, delegates are now attempting to refocus on climate negotiations—though the shock of the incident continues to linger.