Rio, 2/26/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - A large fire is raging at this moment on the upper floors of the Eletrobrás Building on the corner of Avenida Rio Branco and Presidente Vargas in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. According to news reports, the fire began at 4:30 am local time on the 16th floor where an insurance company has offices.

Fireman are attempting to control the blaze. Because of the time the fire began there weren't any people in the building.

The fire has caused an enormous traffic jam, with traffic in downtown Rio at a standstill. (AB)