COP30 Evacuated After Pavilion Fire in Brazil

A fire broke out in a pavilion at the COP30 United Nations climate conference in Belém, Brazil, on Thursday, November 20, prompting the evacuation of delegates, journalists and other attendees shortly after 2 p.m. local time. Officials reported no injuries, and the blaze was brought under control by emergency responders.

The incident occurred at the conference venue, a large tented facility on a former airfield hosting side events and negotiations among representatives from nearly 200 countries. Security personnel and fire marshals swiftly directed people to the exits as alarms sounded and smoke filled the air. Video footage from the scene showed flames burning through the pavilion's roof and spreading to nearby structures, including billboards, while crowds rushed away from the danger.

Brazils Tourism Minister Celso Sabino, speaking to journalists at the site, said the fire originated near the China pavilion and quickly extended to adjacent areas, such as several Africa pavilions and one focused on youth initiatives. Technical staff Victoria Martins and Júlia Aguiar, who were working at the health and sciences pavilion, confirmed reports of fire there as well, noting that...