Kathmandu, Nov. 21 -- A fire erupted inside the UN climate summit venue in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday, forcing a mass evacuation and suspending negotiations at a critical stage, France 24 reported.The blaze tore through pavilions and burned a hole in the roof, sending smoke through corridors and prompting delegates to run for the exits. It was the third major incident since COP30 began last week, following two disruptions by Indigenous protesters, according to France 24.

Security teams brought the fire under control in about six minutes, and the venue sustained only "limited damage," Brazil and UN Climate Change said in a joint statement, as cited by France 24. The site is expected to reopen after 8 pm local time. Thirteen people were tr...