Channel 8 has video of a three-alarm fire atop the roof of the Monte Carlo casino on the south Strip.

The fire was reported half an hour ago (11 a.m.) and firefighters are on the scene trying to contain.

Whenever we hear of a fire, we immediately think to the 1980 fire that broke out inside MGM Grand (where Bally’s now stands). MGM Mirage owns Monte Carlo.

No further information is onhand, but we will update as we find out.

Update: People are being evacuated from the casino. Las Vegas Blvd. and offramps are now closed.

Update 2: The fire is on the south side of the hotel in the center section, approximately four floors from the roof.

Live photos from KVBC Channel 3:

Update 3: Evacuees are being taken to sister casinos of MGM Mirage, including MGM Grand, New York New York, and Bellagio.

The eyewitness cellphone photo below is from zyphlar’s blog. More photos here.

Update 4: Clark County Fire reports no major injuries. The fire on the south wing is almost contained; the fire on the west wing is contained. The top floors have been evacuated completely; lower floors are being checked to ensure everyone has left.

In afternoon trading, MGM Mirage shares have fallen 3.71 percent, though this shouldn’t imply the fire has been a direct result.

Update 5: Clark County Fire reports the fire is confined to the exterior. Welders were spotted working on the roof. Firefighters took hoses up the stairs from the ground floor because the 32-story resort rooftop was out of reach from ladders.

Monte Carlo is next to Project CityCenter, MGM Mirage’s $7.8 billion mixed-use complex. The casino has over 3,000 rooms, with the top floors reserved for 211 suites and penthouses. It employees over 3,000 employees.

Update 6: Traffic is gridlocked. The casino remains closed. The Strip remains closed from Trop to Harmon, as well as exits and exit ramps. A comment blog has been set up at Channel 8 for eyewitness accounts.

Reports of people being trapped on the roof are false.