By Bunmi Yekini, Belem, Brazil
A fire outbreak has disrupted the final stretch of negotiations at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil.
The blaze broke out this afternoon in the Blue Zone, the restricted area where ministers and negotiators were meeting behind closed doors.
Delegates, observers and journalists were immediately evacuated as smoke spread through parts of the venue.
Emergency teams quickly brought the fire under control, and safety checks are now underway.
Brazilian officials say all participants are safe, though some people were treated for smoke inhalation.
The disruption comes at a critical moment, with countries still negotiating key issues including climate finance and fossil-fuel commitments. Officials say the interruption may delay the release of the final COP30 outcome document.
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Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, believed to be linked to an electrical fault. Negotiations are expected to resume once the area is cleared for re-entry.
This story was produced as part of the 2025 Climate Change Media Partnership, a journalism fellowship organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security.
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