LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- Sections of the top four floors of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas were on fire Friday.
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Smoke rises from the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
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Firefighters could be seen on the roof of the hotel.

Most of the flames appeared to be coming from the southern section of the hotel.

Black smoke was billowing into the air and was visible from more than a mile away, CNN producer Darian Billington said.

He said traffic was backed up on the Strip, and crowds of people were gathering to watch the blaze.

The hotel has more than 3,000 rooms, including 211 penthouse suites, and conference rooms.

The more expensive rooms are on the top floors.

The hotel was built in 1996 for $344 million. It is in the heart of the resort corridor. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend



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