A massive fire broke out inside a pavilion at the COP30 venue in Belem, Brazil on Thursday, leaving 13 people injured. The fire occurred in a pavilion inside a convention hall where more than 50,000 diplomats, journalists, and activists had gathered for the global climate summit. Notably, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav was present with the Indian delegation at the time of the fire. However, he and other officials left the venue unharmed.
Indian delegation safe, says Environment Minister
The Environment Minister informed about the incident on X, emphasising that the Indian delegation were evacuated safely. “In an unfortunate event, a fire broke out at the UNFCCC CoP30 venue, in Belém, Brazil. Everyone at the venue is reported safe. Members of the Indian delegation, and media persons have also been evacuated safely,” he wrote on X. Meanwhile, United Nations Climate Change (UNCC) stated that following a safety assessment, the COP30 site has been inspected and deemed safe by the Fire Department. However, the area affected by the fire will remain isolated until the conclusion of the conference.
In an unfortunate event, a fire broke out at the UNFCCC CoP30 venue, in Belém, Brazil.
Everyone at the venue is reported safe. Members of the Indian delegation, and media persons have also been evacuated safely.
---Advertisement---— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) November 20, 2025
Here’s what happened
According to reports, the blaze began around 2 pm and filled the convention centre with smoke, forcing delegates to evacuate. Initially, NYT quoted an official from the Summit Presidency as saying that the fire had been contained for about 30 minutes. By 3 pm, people started returning to the convention centre, but officials escorted them back out, saying evacuation was still in progress. At 4:20 pm, the COP Presidency announced that the fire had been controlled “with limited damage.” Videos circulating on social media showed huge flames at the scene.
COP30 Conference
The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP30), is the 30th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. It is being held at the Hangar Convention Centre in Belem, Brazil, from November 10-21. Today is the final day of the conference and thousands of people from nearly 200 countries have arrived to debate and agree on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are dangerously heating the planet.
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