Home / Disasters and Accidents / COP30 Venue in Brazil Engulfed by Fire!
COP30 Venue in Brazil Engulfed by Fire!
21 Nov
Summary
- A fire at COP30's Blue Zone injured 13, forcing evacuation.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was promptly evacuated.
- The fire was contained within six minutes by swift response.
A significant fire incident disrupted the UN COP30 Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil, injuring at least 13 individuals who were treated for smoke inhalation. The blaze erupted within the critical 'Blue Zone,' a key area housing negotiations, country pavilions, and media centers, necessitating the immediate evacuation of thousands of attendees, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The fire department and UN security personnel responded with remarkable speed, containing the fire within approximately six minutes. Following the incident, the 'Blue Zone' was temporarily closed for a comprehensive safety evaluation by Brazilian authorities. While the main talks faced disruption, the 'Green Zone' remained operational, and plans were made to resume activities after the venue was deemed safe.
The swift response prevented more severe consequences, though the day's remaining business was cancelled, potentially impacting the summit's timeline. The incident underscored the importance of rapid emergency protocols at large international events, ensuring the safety of delegates and the continuation of crucial climate change discussions.
