Belem: A fire broke out on Thursday evening at the venue of the COP30 climate conference in the Brazilian city of Belem, prompting the evacuation of the area. No casualties were reported, and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control shortly after it began.
According to Qatar News Agency, the blaze erupted in the Blue Zone's pavilion space. Thick smoke spread inside and outside the conference site, causing panic among attendees.
In a joint statement, Brazil and the United Nations said security forces responded quickly, adding that the fire was contained within minutes.
Firefighters and ambulances rushed to the scene as smoke rose from several tents and buildings that host tens of thousands of diplomats, journalists, and activists participating in the two-week UN climate summit.
The Brazilian presidency confirmed that 19 people were treated for smoke inhalation and two others for panic attacks.