"Flames Force Evacuation at U.N. Climate Talks in Brazil"

Fire Engulfs U.N. Climate Talks in Brazil, Prompting Evacuations and Smoke Inhalation A sudden and intense fire engulfed pavilions at the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday, prompting evacuations and forcing officials to treat 13 individuals for smoke inhalation. According to reports, the blaze, which started near the China Pavilion, quickly spread to neighboring structures, including Africa and youth-focused pavilions, before being brought under control within six minutes. The incident suspended climate negotiations, leaving the conference's future uncertain as world leaders convene to discuss critical climate action. Organizers of the conference, which is the next-to-last day of the conference, ordered the evacuation of the entire site, and it was unclear when the talks would resume. According to Catherine Ellis, a journalist who captured the scene on video, flames engulfed the pavilions, causing widespread panic among attendees. "It was a chaotic scene, with people running and screaming as the fire spread," Ellis said in an interview. "The fire department responded quickly, but it was a tense moment for everyone involved." Fire officials in Belem confirmed that 13 people were treated for smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials have ruled out any foul play. The COP30 U.N. Climate Summit is a critical meeting for world leaders to discuss and agree on climate action. The conference has been ongoing since November 6, with representatives from over 190 countries in attendance. The talks were expected to conclude on Friday, but the fire has put the entire schedule in jeopardy. According to a spokesperson for the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, the incident has caused significant disruptions to the conference. "We are working closely with the Brazilian authorities to ensure that the conference can resume as soon as possible," the spokesperson said in a statement. "However, we cannot predict when the talks will resume, as it will depend on the outcome of the investigation and the safety of the attendees." The fire has also raised concerns about the safety and security of the conference. According to a report by the Brazilian Fire Department, the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction, but an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause. As the conference remains suspended, world leaders and climate activists are left wondering what the future holds for the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of international gatherings. The U.N. Climate Change Secretariat has not yet announced a new schedule for the conference, but officials have promised to provide updates as soon as possible. In the meantime, attendees and observers are left to wait and see what the future holds for the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit.