A ministry statement carried by the official MENA news agency says the fire erupted early today morning inside the six-story Hotel Andalusia in the populous Ataba neighborhood.
The flames quickly spread to an adjacent warehouse building. The street is packed with street vendors and small shops.
MENA says army fire engines and dozens from the Cairo Fire Department are extinguishing the blaze. All hotel guests were evacuated.
Six of the 15 injured were treated for breathing difficulties on site. The rest were taken to a nearby hospital and are all reported to be in stable condition.