BELÉM, BRAZIL – A significant fire broke out at the venue of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) on Thursday, November 20, 2025, forcing a full evacuation of the main negotiations area and temporarily halting critical global climate talks. The incident occurred at a pivotal moment for the summit, with potential implications for key outcomes relevant to Kenya and the wider East African region.

The fire started at approximately 2:00 PM local time (8:00 PM EAT) in the “Blue Zone,” a UN-managed area at the Hangar Convention Center hosting country pavilions and high-level negotiations. Multiple sources, including Brazil's Tourism Minister Celso Sabino and eyewitnesses, reported that the blaze originated near the China Pavilion and quickly spread to adjacent structures, which included many of the Africa pavilions and the East African Community pavilion. This placed the incident in close proximity to where the Kenyan delegation and other African representatives were conducting their engagements.

Emergency services responded swiftly, and organizers reported the fire was brought under control within approximately six minutes. While there were no serious injuries, between 13 and 21 individuals received on-site medical treatment for smoke inhalation. In a joint statement, the Brazilian government and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) confirmed the evacuation was conducted safely and the Blue Zone was temporarily closed for a comprehensive safety assessment before reopening later in the evening. Formal negotiations were suspended until Friday, November 21, the final scheduled day of the conference.

Investigation Underway as Disruption Hits Key Negotiations

The cause of the fire is under official investigation. Para state Governor Helder Barbalho told local media that preliminary hypotheses point towards an electrical fault, possibly from a generator failure or a short circuit in one of the booths. Some reports also suggested an electrical appliance, such as a microwave, may have been the source. The incident has cast a spotlight on the logistical preparations for the massive summit, with some observers noting that parts of the venue were still under construction just before the conference began. The UNFCCC had reportedly raised concerns about infrastructure and security with the Brazilian government prior to the incident.

The disruption occurred as ministers were deeply engaged in tense negotiations to resolve deadlocks over the phase-out of fossil fuels, climate finance, and adaptation measures—all core priorities for the Kenyan delegation. Led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, Kenya has been a vocal advocate within the Africa Group of Negotiators, pushing for a clear timeline to transition away from fossil fuels and demanding that developed nations honor their climate finance pledges. These funds are considered vital for Kenya to achieve its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which commits to a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, and to implement its National Climate Change Action Plan.

Implications for Kenya and Africa's Climate Agenda

The temporary shutdown of talks, though brief, adds pressure to an already tight schedule. Mohamed Adow, director of the Nairobi-based think tank Power Shift Africa, who was present at the summit, remarked on the fright the incident caused but praised the swift response. The proximity of the fire to the African pavilions serves as a stark, if symbolic, reminder of the continent's vulnerability. Kenya and other African nations came to Belém to emphasize their special needs and circumstances and to argue that they are disproportionately affected by a climate crisis they did little to create.

Kenya's agenda at COP30 has been robust, focusing on leveraging its leadership in renewable energy—with 93% of its electricity from green sources—to champion a global green transition. The delegation has also been central to discussions on adaptation, resilience, and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. As negotiations resume for their final, critical hours, the Kenyan team and their African counterparts will face the challenge of ensuring this unexpected disruption does not derail progress on these essential files that will directly impact the sustainable development and environmental security of the region.