Talks at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil were disrupted after a fire broke out in the venue, just as negotiators were hunkering down to try to land a deal to strengthen international climate efforts.
Officials said the fire, which erupted at one of the country exhibition pavilions, was brought under control quickly and the summit’s entire premises were evacuated.
“Thirteen individuals were treated on site for smoke inhalation. Their condition is being monitored, and appropriate medical support has been provided,” organisers said in a statement.
The fire scare occurred in what is already a hive of activity, interrupting negotiations to secure agreement among the nearly 200 countries present on issues including plans to phase out oil, gas and coal.
