Five people were being treated for smoke inhalation on Tuesday after a fire broke out in Egypt's upper house of parliament, a security official said.
"Five emergency service staff were taken to a nearby hospital after suffering smoke-related injuries," the official told AFP.
Fire trucks and ambulances were rushing to put out the fire which "could have been caused by an electrical short-circuit" in the building, Egypt's state Channel One reported.
Witnesses said a huge black cloud hung over the building which is located in central Cairo, close to many ministries and government buildings.
All roads in the area have been closed off, allowing access only to emergency services and authorities.
The area is usually under tight security as it is close to the American University in Cairo and not far from several Western embassies.
"The fire is currently limited to the Shura Council's second floor. We are still trying to determine the exact cause of the fire," the official said.
"Parliament is currently on summer recess and very few people would have been in the building," he said.
Shura Council building remained on fire around 23:00 local time
Fire broke out today at Egypt's Shura Council, the upper house of the Parliament of Egypt at around 16:00 local time. The number of casualties had reached 13 by 22:30. Officials said that most of the casualties were a result of smoke inhalation and minor burns.

"The fire is currently limited to the Shura Council's second floor. We are still trying to determine the exact cause of the fire," the official said. "Parliament is currently on summer recess and very few people would have been in the building."

As of this article's publication, thick black clouds of smoke could still be seen billowing from the three-story building in downtown Cairo. A statement had been broadcast over a local TV network indicating that the evacuated employees said authorities told them they had ruled out terrorism and that the fire has been a result of a short circuit.

Fire engines and military helicopters reached the fire location and began trying to extinguish the flames. Ambulances were also seen in the area. 

Parts of the ceiling on the top floor collapsed due to the fire.

The Egyptian Taxation building had also caught on fire.