Major Fire Erupts at UN Climate Summit in Brazil
A significant fire broke out at the main venue of the ongoing UN COP30 Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday, resulting in at least 21 people sustaining injuries and triggering a massive evacuation of thousands of attendees, including high-profile dignitaries. The incident caused temporary chaos and a six-hour closure of the crucial 'Blue Zone' at the heart of the global climate negotiations.
Immediate Response and Evacuation Details
The fire ignited at approximately 2 pm local time within the 'Blue Zone', the area housing all official meetings, country pavilions, the media centre, and offices for dignitaries. As alarms sounded and news spread, a swift evacuation was initiated. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who was present at the venue, was promptly and safely evacuated by his United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) protection detail.
India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, and the Indian delegation were also inside the Blue Zone when the fire started. A ministry spokesperson confirmed that the minister and all officials exited the venue safely. Security personnel and firefighters responded immediately, bringing the blaze under control in roughly six minutes. A UNDSS 'Flash Report' indicated the fire spread quickly to decorative textiles, but was fully controlled.
Casualties and Reopening of the Venue
According to an official statement from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the 21 individuals who received medical care were treated for conditions primarily related to the incident. Of the total, 19 cases were for smoke inhalation and two were for anxiety episodes. Reassuringly, the ministry confirmed there were no reports of burn injuries from the flames itself. Twelve of the patients have already been discharged, while the rest continue to receive appropriate care in Belem.
Following a comprehensive safety inspection by Brazilian authorities, the Blue Zone was formally returned to the UNFCCC and reopened at 8:40 pm, more than six hours after the fire began. The UNFCCC, in a mail to participants, declared the venue fully safe and operational. However, the specific pavilion area (Zone B) where the fire originated will remain closed for the remainder of the conference, which is scheduled to conclude on Friday.
Impact on Summit Negotiations
The fire and subsequent closure cast a shadow of uncertainty over the timely completion of the COP30 summit, with crucial final-day negotiations still pending. All plenary sessions for the evening were cancelled. In a joint statement, the UN COP30 Presidency and the UNFCCC acknowledged the substantial work ahead and expressed trust that delegates would return with a spirit of solidarity to ensure a successful outcome. They confirmed that all plenary sessions on the final day would be open and live-streamed. It was also noted that the 'Green Zone', with its stalls and exhibitions, was unaffected and remained open throughout the incident.
