BELÉM, Brazil — The fire at the climate summit Thursday not only disrupted global negotiations over rising temperatures, it also halted kitsch collectors.

The blaze closed an area of the COP30 venue that hosted pavilions set up by nations from around the world, featuring cultural displays and climate-focused events. For some countries it was a space to spread soft power — sometimes through trinkets.

China’s pavilion was a popular attraction. A line on Wednesday snaked past the area featuring two Chinese flags and a sprawling image of cloud-shrouded mountains as visitors waited for souvenirs that included panda headbands and tiny panda plushies.

“The pandas are the fever here,” said Ana Lobato, a volunteer from Belém who said she has been collecting pins from various pavilions.

Throughout the two-week conference, China also offered hand-held fans to keep delegates cool amid the tropical heat that sometimes overwhelmed the facility’s sputtering air conditioning. Also available were books with the writings and speeches of China’s president, Xi Jinping.

The United States doesn’t have a pavilion, reflecting its absence from the talks under President Donald Trump, who is known to display and sell his own merch. The American officials who did come — including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse — spoke at other pavilions.

The lack of an American presence in these halls has helped China stand out. Its pavilion was strategically positioned along a main corridor, flanked by Saudi Arabia and Portugal, which would offer wine and port in the evenings.

“China is leading where America is failing,” said Rex Emojite Anighoro, an activist from Nigeria. “Where the presidency of Trump has said, ‘No, the world you can go to hell.’ China says, ‘No, you can listen to us. We can be here for you.’ And that’s what they’re trying to demonstrate by giving gifts.”

Anighoro, who has been to four climate conferences, said he always goes to the U.S. pavilion — until now. He had picked up a copy of Xi’s book, and said he would have taken one from the U.S. center, “but now I have no option.”

The pavilions have long occupied a space in the blue zone at these climate conferences, the area where official delegates, members of the press and registered observers roam the halls.

Coffee has been a big draw in past years, and the line at the Australian pavilion for a flat white — an espresso with a line of milky foam — is always long. This year, Australia was awkwardly positioned next to Turkey’s pavilion, which also drew crowds for its strong brew, as the two competed to host COP31. Turkey won out.

At the U.K. pavilion, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband promoted its coffee as the summit’s best during a renewable energy event with India earlier this week. Indonesia, across the room from China, held dance performances.

Now, that area will be isolated from the rest of the venue, even after negotiations resume over issues such as providing more financial assistance to climate-vulnerable nations and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

The fire on Thursday afternoon forced people to evacuate into the streets near the Hangar Convention and Fair Centre of the Amazon.

A joint statement from the COP30 presidency and the United Nations said 19 people were treated for smoke inhalation and provided with medical support.

The Fire Department deemed the site safe Thursday night and resumed operations.

“We appreciate the cooperation, patience, and understanding of all participants,” the statement said. “We still have substantial work ahead, and we trust that delegates will return to the negotiations in a spirit of solidarity and determination to ensure a successful outcome for this COP.”

Zack Colman contributed to this report.