Dubai's "Torch Tower", World's Fifth Tallest Residential Building, Is Engulfed In Flames

A massive fire has engulfed the fifth tallest residential building in the United Arab Emirates, the 86-story Dubai Torch Tower - the same building which was also damaged in a major blaze in 2015 -  where social media footage showed flames spreading up much of building and burning debris falling down. According to BBC, civil defence officials have "successfully evacuated" the building and are now working to bring the fire under control.

Firefighting brigades from four stations have been sent to battle the flames at the Torch Tower, the fifth tallest residential building in the world.

It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze in one of the world"s tallest buildings.

BREAKING: #Dubai"s torch tower is AGAIN on fire. pic.twitter.com/dqBA0TgLeN

— The Intel Crab (@IntelCrab) August 3, 2017

The fire is believed to have started on the ninth floor before ascending towards the top stories: “It"s big fire started on 9th floor. Civil defence and police in the scene now to control the fire,” a Dubai police spokesperson told Gulf News.

The #Torch tower in #Dubai, the fifth-largest residential building in the world, is engulfed in flames pic.twitter.com/PrztJZYZMH

— Benjamin Alvarez (@BenjAlvarez1) August 3, 2017

Dubai’s Civil Defence Director General and Police Commander are at the scene coordinating the rescue efforts. “No injuries have been reported so far in the Torch Tower fire incident,” Dubai"s media office said in a latest tweet.

#torchtower #dubai
it"s still burning ???? pic.twitter.com/sNyfa8EoNK

— Hilda (@dhuyanik) August 3, 2017

The 79-story skyscraper opened in 2011, and it was the world"s tallest residential building at its opening, but has since been surpassed by several others.

The Torch Tower is said to be the 32nd tallest building in the world, according to the Skyscraper Centre. It has 676 apartments.

These Are The Tallest Buildings In Each State

One of the most interesting things about skyscrapers and high-rises is their competitive aspects.

The Empire State Building, The Burj Khalifa, and other tall buildings were built, in part, to say to the rest of the world: "Look what we can do!"

There hasn"t just been competition between countries, either - there has been some competition within the United States too! 

In this infographic, we take a look at the tallest buildings of each state. How tall would a state stand, based on its tallest building?  Which states have the most high-rise buildings?  What are most skyscrapers used for? 

Source: Highrises.com