A small fire at a hospital has prompted authorities in the Dominican Republic to evacuate a neonatal intensive care unit housing 81 babies.

None of the infants were injured.

Director Luis Rivera told local reporters on Saturday the fire was quickly contained.

He said 18 babies were taken to other health centres and that the remaining 63 were taken to another area within the hospital.

Authorities said a short circuit in an air-conditioning unit caused the fire at the Our Lady of Grace Hospital in the capital of Santo Domingo.