This is really serious, awful news: the Monte Carlo casino in Las Vegas is currently on fire. From KLAS:
There is a 3-alarm fire on top of the Monte Carlo and evacuations are underway.
The fire started around 11 a.m. at the Las Vegas Strip hotel which is near Tropicana. The fire is burning on the south side of the hotel along the top floors. The Las Vegas Strip as well as exit ramps off of I-15 are closed.
Eyewitnesses tell Eyewitness News that embers are falling and sparking smaller fires.
I can see the eastern face of the Monte Carlo from my office, and there is thick black smoke pouring out of the building. On the KLAS live stream of the helicopter feed you can see (as of 11:50AM) live flames inside the upper floors and outside of the building.
No word on any injuries or fatalities yet, and our first thoughts should be for the Monte Carlo’s employees and guests.
UPDATE: Frequent reader Will Bradley sent me this link to pictures of the fire in progress.
UPDATE 2: As of 1 PM, it looks like the fire is out. Still no report on injuries. There seems to be major damage to the building’s upper fascia, but I’ve got no idea whether this is just cosmetic or if there are structural issues as well. I’m sure that the smoke and water damage will entail major cleaning, if not reconstruction, beyond the burned areas.
Update 3: The Las Vegas Sun has a surprisingly complete list of historic Las Vegas casino fires up. That was quick.