Footage by Catherine Ellis



Freelance journalist Catherine Ellis captured dramatic footage from inside the COP30 Blue Zone in Belém, Brazil, as a sudden fire triggered panic and a stampede on November 20, 2025. Her video shows smoke rising from a pavilion while delegates scream, push forward, and rush toward exits in confusion.

Catherine, who was inside the Colombia Pavilion when the incident began, described the terrifying moment:
“I was sat listening to a panel discussion in the Colombia Pavillion, when I heard people screaming and the ground start to shake. I could feel the floor boards move from people running. There was a stampede, chaos and initially I thought there was some kind of attack. But it quickly became clear it was a fire. The stand that went up in flames wasn’t very far from where I was. It had gone through the roof and people were running to escape, while others were running to put the flames out. We were evacuated and some people left but many others are still sat waiting near the exit – still actually in the building. But a line of security officials is making sure no one goes past them.”

Organizers later confirmed the blaze in the pavilion area was brought under control, with no reported injuries. Firefighters and security teams responded promptly and continue to monitor the site as safety checks proceed.

Credit for the footage goes to Catherine Ellis.