Kiwi Disabled Delegates Flee COP30 Fire in Brazil Amidst Lack of Support & Communication Breakdown

Chaos Erupts at COP30: Disabled Delegates Abandoned During Brazil Fire

A recent fire at the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil, on November 20, 2025, exposed alarming systemic failures, particularly concerning the safety of disabled attendees. A New Zealand disability advocate, Kera Sherwood-O'Regan, shared a harrowing account of herself and her group being left to fend for themselves amidst the chaos.

Lack of Official Alarms and Guidance

The blaze, which erupted in a pavilion area while crucial negotiations were ongoing, led to the evacuation of thousands of delegates. Despite the large-scale emergency, Sherwood-O'Regan (Ngāi Tahu), representing the New Zealand Disabled Persons Assembly and her hapu, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, reported a complete absence of official alarms or alerts. "A lot of people initially thought, 'Oh is this a protest?'" she recounted, highlighting the initial confusion.

Given the vulnerabilities of her group, which included many individuals with disabilities, they made the proactive decision to evacuate. "We're very conscious that oftentimes in emergency situations we really do get left behind and that's why we're here at the COP advocating," Sherwood-O'Regan emphasized. They navigated their way to a side door, shortly before a massive influx of other evacuees followed.

Reliance on Group Chats Amidst Confusion

During the critical moments of the evacuation, official communication channels remained silent. Sherwood-O'Regan noted, "There wasn't a single clear alarm system, there was no signage on the screens or anything. People were really confused." Information was instead circulated through informal group chats, leaving many delegates without timely or accurate guidance.

The advocate later witnessed footage of the intense fire, describing "flames which were just floor to ceiling, over in the pavilions area," close to where she had spoken the previous day, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Limited Damage, Major Concerns

While thankfully no casualties were reported, at least 13 people received treatment for smoke inhalation. The UN body overseeing the COP talks acknowledged "limited damage" and announced the site would reopen no sooner than 8 pm (12 pm Friday NZT). The fire occurred during a pivotal time, with ministers deeply involved in negotiations to resolve deadlocks on fossil fuels, climate finance, and trade measures, with only one day remaining in the two-week conference.

This incident throws a spotlight on the critical need for robust emergency protocols and inclusive safety measures at major international gatherings, especially for disabled participants who are often disproportionately affected in such situations.