A fire struck the Blue Zone of COP30 in Belém on the afternoon of November 20, 2025, forcing evacuation and suspending official negotiations. The blaze started around 2 p.m. in the countries' pavilions and was quickly controlled, with no burn injuries. The area reopened at night, but discussions resume only on Friday, the event's scheduled final day.
The fire broke out around 2:03 p.m. in the Blue Zone of COP30, the space for climate negotiations, near the Africa and East African Community pavilions. Flames spread quickly, hitting structures like the Climate Live: Entertainment + Culture pavilion during a panel on financing and technology transfer for Africa's energy transition. Videos show the fire starting behind a divider, with participants rushing to emergency exits.
Firefighters contained the blaze in about six minutes, suspecting a short circuit or electronic equipment failure, possibly a microwave. Marcelo Rocha, nearby, reported: “The power went out and the fire started rising.” Frances Fox, founder of Climate Live, described it as “terrifying,” feeling the heat on her skin while preparing a session. Brazilian coordinator Gabriel Mendes was on stage when it happened, noting that the power outage became a literal reality for structural neglects.
In total, 21 people received medical attention: 19 for smoke inhalation and two for anxiety attacks, with no burns. By evening, 12 were discharged, and nine remained under observation in Belém health units. The Blue Zone reopened at 8:40 p.m. after inspection and a new fire department permit, but the affected area will stay isolated until the conference ends. Negotiations were suspended until Friday, November 21, the official closing date, though extensions are common in COPs.
Tourism Minister Celso Sabino stated the incident won't compromise the event: “It's standard procedure to evacuate an area in such situations.” He defended Belém's selection, saying the fire could happen anywhere. Negotiators differ on the impact; Richard Muyungi, head of the African Negotiators Group, highlighted challenges for delegates in remote hotels or cruises. International press, like The New York Times and BBC, covered it, citing prior infrastructure issues such as rain leaks, air-conditioning failures, and security concerns raised by UNFCCC's Simon Stiell.
On social media, critics dubbed COP30 “Flop30,” using the fire to question Belém's infrastructure, with posts from figures like Kim Kataguiri and Flávio Bolsonaro. Still, activists like Samuel Rubin urge the incident to alert leaders to urgent climate actions, including culture in the final text.