Fire breaks out inside Blue Zone pavilion at COP30

World
By AFP | Nov 20, 2025

Fire breaks out in pavilion at COP30 climate talks. [Dennis Aseto, Standard]

A fire at a pavilion inside the venue of the UN's climate talks in Brazil forced an evacuation Thursday as panicked delegates ran for the exits.

UN and security crews rushed with extinguishers to try to put out the blaze at the COP30 site in Belem, with smoke engulfing the corridor and people shouting "fire!"

Firefighters arrived at the scene as smoke billowed inside and out of the conference building.

The fire took place as ministers from around the world were deep in negotiations aimed at breaking a deadlock over fossil fuels, climate finance and trade measures, with one day left in the two-week conference.

How Treasury is edging out 'mama mboga' for banks

Agoa renewal offers new chance to redefine Africa's place in global trade

Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle

China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect

Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates

Kenya slashes dollar debt to record low as Chinese yuan gains ground

Government plans stricter laws to clean up tea sector

Tourism earnings hit record Sh500 billion as arrivals near 8m

Kakamega youth, women eye avocado export cash after skills training

Portable kitchen: Designer taps into space-saving trend

More to follow...