This screen grab taken from AFPTV video footage shows emergency crews battling a fire that broke out at a pavilion inside the venue of the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in Belem, Para state, Brazil. Photo: AFPTV
UN climate talks in Brazil were evacuated on Friday morning (NZ time) when a fire broke out inside the venue in Belem.
BBC journalists saw flames and smoke in the pavilion area before they were rushed outside.
Brazil's tourism minister said the fire was under control and nobody was hurt .
It was not yet known what caused the blaze.
RNZ understands there were no casualties or burns, but some first responders were receiving oxygen treatment.
Firefighters battle a fire that broke out in a pavilion at the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference venue in Belem, Para state, Brazil. Photo: PABLO PORCIUNCULA / AFP
Thousands of people from around the world were attending the talks, including a delegation from New Zealand.
Security staff told Reuters the alert originated in the area of the venue where nations and organisations have their public-facing stands, known as pavilions.
Delegates, observers and journalists grabbed their bags and belongings and ran for the exits. Police lined up as a barrier to prevent anyone from nearing the area, while a siren pealed in the background.
TV footage showed flames and smoke inside the venue, a conference center on the site of a former airport.
Smoke in the air near the venue. Photo: Supplied / Francisco Hernandez
Delegates head away from the scene. Photo: Supplied / Francisco Hernandez
- RNZ / Reuters
