Ten people have died after a fire broke out at a residential building in the Hexi district of North China's Tianjin early Friday, according to local authorities.

Another five suffered minor injuries and have been hospitalized.

The fire broke out on the 38th floor of the apartment building at 4:07 am, and was extinguished at 6:40 am, according to the local fire department.

Firefighters said an area of about 300 square meters was damaged.

The cause of the fire is currently unconfirmed, but it is believed to have started in an area with housing interior decoration materials.

The municipal government has ordered a citywide safety inspection.

Traffic controls in the area have been lifted. People believed to be responsible for the fire are being held for further investigation.