A fire erupted at the COP30 climate summit venue in Belm, Brazil, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, causing panic and forcing delegates to evacuate. The incident occurred in a pavilion designated for health and science, located in the "blue zone" near the entrance of the conference. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The blaze broke out while ministers from nearly 200 countries were engaged in crucial discussions on fossil fuels, climate finance, and trade measures. Footage from the scene showed flames and thick smoke billowing from the pavilion, leading to immediate chaos as delegates rushed for safety. Sirens prompted an urgent evacuation, with many grabbing their belongings as police cordoned off the area.

UN staff and security teams attempted to control the fire using handheld extinguishers until firefighters arrived. Brazil’s Tourism Minister Celso Sabino confirmed that the fire was brought under control and stated, "The incident has already been contained. Thankfully, no one was hurt."

Among those present during the incident were about 20 members of the Indian delegation, including Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who were moved to a safe zone. Mauricio Lyrio, head of the Brazilian delegation, mentioned he was in the middle of signing an agreement when the evacuation was ordered, adding, "We don’t believe we’ll be able to return to the site today."

The fire occurred at a critical time, just one day before the conference was set to conclude. Earlier, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had urged negotiators to reach an "ambitious compromise" as the world watched closely. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are expected to conduct further inspections before allowing delegates to re-enter the venue. The COP30 conference has already faced tensions, with activists staging protests demanding stronger action on climate issues, particularly regarding emissions and the protection of the Amazon rainforest.