Fire Halts Crucial Last-Minute Negotiations at COP30. A sudden fire at COP30 in Belém forces delegates to evacuate, disrupting final efforts to secure a global climate agreement. The blaze broke out in the pavilion area, where organisations showcase climate initiatives, prompting a full-site shutdown. Officials say the fire was quickly extinguished; 13 people were treated for smoke inhalation, with an electrical fault suspected. The interruption comes as negotiators from over 190 countries struggle to reach unity after missing their Wednesday deadline for initial deals. Talks remain stalled over how to close the gap between current warming projections and previously agreed safe temperature limits. Fossil-fuel transition plans and financial support for developing nations are at the centre of the most divisive debates. Many poorer countries argue wealthy nations should shoulder greater responsibility, as past funding pledges have often arrived late or incomplete. For the first time, critical minerals essential for clean technologies may be included in a COP decision later this week.