The COP30 UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, have been temporarily suspended following a fire that broke out within the venue.
BBC journalists on site reported witnessing flames and smoke emanating from the pavilion area, prompting an immediate evacuation. Fire engines were observed arriving at the scene.
The United Nations has stated that the fire is now contained, “with limited damage” reported. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
The incident has disrupted the final hours of negotiations aimed at establishing next steps in addressing climate change.
“It was climbing the walls and onto the ceiling. People were screaming,” Dr. Harshita Umesh, who was presenting near the fire’s origin, told BBC News.
“Then I ran, I think I tripped and fell.”
Dr. Umesh, a medical professional, noted that ambulance personnel indicated no burn injuries but that some first responders inhaled “toxic fumes” and are receiving oxygen.
Emergency medicine specialist Kimberly Humphrey, currently assisting patients at the COP medical center, told the BBC that the injuries are “Mainly people with smoke inhalation, someone with a lung injury from smoke.”
“People are pretty traumatized and shocked,” she added.
“There’s a huge panic, people have been running out of here, it’s a very dramatic moment… UN security guards are telling us to leave,” reported BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt.
“It looks actually as if they are beginning to get it under control but you can see huge columns of smoke rising up into the air through the hole that’s been burnt in the top of the conference center.”
BBC journalists noted the arrival of two ambulances at the venue entrance more than 90 minutes after the fire was first reported.
A Brazilian security officer securing the gates to the premises confirmed to the BBC that an evacuation is underway, and the site is being locked down.
Images from the scene show flames having burned through the roofing of the venue, a converted aerodrome. One video depicts an individual using a fire extinguisher before retreating.
An eyewitness informed the BBC that an electrical fire is suspected as the cause.
One woman was seen being assisted in a wheelchair, though it remains unclear if this was directly related to the fire.
Hundreds of attendees are currently gathered outside the venue, either seated on the ground or on provided seating, amidst high temperatures and humidity. Others have departed the COP entirely to return to their accommodations.
The incident is anticipated to cause delays in the finalization of agreements at the climate talks.
According to a member of the UK delegation, several country delegations sought shelter under the awning of a nearby petrol station, adding that negotiations had been suspended due to the fire.
The UN, which oversees COP climate conferences, has stated that the fire brigade is inspecting the venue to ensure its safety. Brazilian authorities have temporarily taken over the summit’s security.
Thousands are participating in the UN climate talks, including delegation members from nations across the globe.
Approximately 200 countries are involved in discussions aimed at reaching consensus on strategies to advance climate change mitigation efforts.