One of the world’s tallest residential towers has caught fire in Dubai’s Marina district, sending hundreds of residents pouring into the streets as bright yellow flames raged several stories high. No-one was reported killed.

The fire broke out at about 2am local time in the 86-storey Torch tower on the northeast end of the densely populated waterfront district, which is packed with multi-storey skyscrapers.

High winds whipped through the area, fanning the flames, and debris from the fire cluttered nearby streets.

Dubai’s police chief, Major General Khamis Mattar al-Muzeina, said in a statement that firefighters put out the blaze before it caused serious damage. Several balconies were damaged, and a number of people who sustained minor injuries were treated by ambulance crews at the scene, he said.

The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. Investigators were examining the scene, but there are no indications of foul play, Maj Gen al-Muzeina said.

The Dubai blaze happened a day after a fire gutted a building on the outskirts of the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi, killing 10 labourers who had been illegally living in a storage area inside. Another eight people were wounded in that fire.

The Dubai blaze happened a day after a fire gutted a building on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, killing 10 labourers

The Torch is managed by Kingfield Owner Association Management Services, which is arranging temporary shelter and supplies for affected residents. It said in a statement that everyone inside the tower was successfully evacuated.

“All fire safety systems functioned effectively during the incident thereby restricting fire damage to the exterior of the building,” it said.

The Marina area is home to dozens of apartment blocks and hotels, many built over the past decade. They are popular with Dubai’s expatriate professionals.

Police blocked off areas around the Torch. Residents of at least one neighbouring tower were told to evacuate as a precaution because of strong winds, but they were later allowed back inside.

Two residents of the Torch said they were told the fire started around the 52nd floor. Flaming material falling from the initial fire then set a lower part of the building ablaze, they said.

One of the residents, Steve Short, 53, of Liverpool, England, praised the work of firefighters who arrived quickly. He said fire alarms alerted residents to the blaze and building management sent workers knocking on doors to ensure residents got out.

Resident R. J. Morlock, 33, of Houston, Texas, shot a video on his phone that showed bright yellow flames reaching what appeared to be several storeys on two separate parts of the building. He said residents were nervous coming out but fire crews were able to bring the situation under control.

As daylight broke, residents waiting across the street to be allowed back home were able to see the extent of the blaze.