Massive Fire at the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf Building

A massive fire broke out inside the historic building of the Ministry of Awqaf in Cairo today, Saturday, just days after the ministry's employees moved to a building in the new administrative capital, 45 kilometers east of Cairo. A Reuters correspondent reported, "It seems that the fire started on the upper floor of the building, but flames could also be seen coming from a window on the second floor." A spokesperson for the ministry noted that "there were no injuries as a result of the fire, and a committee is being formed to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage to the building." At least seven fire trucks were sent to the scene, and firefighters had largely extinguished the fire after several hours.