'The Torch' Blazes

Reports indicate that the blaze broke out around 2am local time, starting on the 50th floor of the 86-story, 336-meter (1,105-feet) high tower. Although high winds from a sandstorm fanned the flames, and debris from the fire cluttered nearby streets, first responders evacuated the building promptly and were able to put out the fire within a few hours. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but some reports point to a cigarette butt.

According to Emporis, Dubai is home to 917 high-rise buildings. This is the second high-rise fire in three years, the previous one happening in 2012 when a fire swept through the 34-story Tamweel Tower.