In brief
The COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil, were abruptly interrupted when a fire broke out inside the venue. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames and smoke, prompting a swift evacuation of attendees. The Brazilian government has confirmed that the fire is under control without any injuries, although investigations into the cause are ongoing. Delegates from nearly 200 countries, aimed at addressing climate change through international negotiations, were present during the incident.
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. The Brazilian government has stated that the fire is now under control and no one has been injured. Witness accounts describe orange flames burning a hole through the sheeting that covers the venue, which is located at a former aerodrome. Video footage showed a man attempting to extinguish the flames before fleeing the scene. No cause for the fire has been officially confirmed; however, initial reports suggest it may have been an electrical fire. One individual was seen being wheeled away from the incident, though it remains unclear if this was related to the blaze. Thousands of attendees, including representatives from nearly 200 countries, are participating in the climate talks aimed at forging agreements on climate change initiatives. Delegates from the UK have indicated that the fire disrupted ongoing negotiations and they are currently returning to their accommodations. The BBC has reached out to the UN for further details about the fire's cause and its impacts. This breaking news story is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
