The COP30 United Nations climate talks in Belém, Brazil, were evacuated after a fire broke out inside the venue.
BBC journalists on the scene reported seeing flames and smoke rising from the pavilion area before attendees were rushed outside as fire engines sped past.
The Brazilian government confirmed that the blaze is now under control and assured that no injuries have been reported.
However, security personnel continue to direct people to leave more outdoor areas, while BBC reporters observed another ambulance heading toward the entrance.
Orange flames were seen burning through the sheeting covering the venue, which occupies a former aerodrome. One video captured a man attempting to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher before running away.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, though one eyewitness told the BBC he suspects it may have been an electrical fire.
Hundreds of attendees are now seated on the ground or on plastic chairs outside in the high heat and humidity.
A woman was wheeled away in a chair, though it is unclear whether this was related to the fire.
Some country delegations sought shelter under the roof of a nearby petrol station, according to a member of the UK delegation. He added that “the fire has halted negotiations.”
The UN, which oversees COP climate meetings, said the fire brigade is inspecting the venue to determine safety, and that the summit is “temporarily taken over by Brazilian authorities.”
The summit brings together thousands of participants, with nearly 200 countries working to agree on strategies to address climate change.@
