A massive, three-alarm fire erupted at the Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino on Friday morning, sending plumes of thick, black smoke more than one mile into the air. "The Strip" was completely shut down so that firefighters could get inside and put out the rapidly spreading flames.

The fire began in the upper floors of the Monte Carlo. The top five floors of two of the hotel's three wings were affected. Flames at least 15 feet high could been seeing rising from the roof, and the thick smoke indicated a severe fire.

It is not yet known what started the fire, but firefighters believe that everyone has been evacuated and that no one is trapped inside. There have been no reported injuries.

The hotel, which is owned by MGM-Mirage, has 3,000 rooms and there were at least some guests staying on those upper floors. Reports now indicate that there were several welders working up on the roof where the fire began, although it is not yet clear if they somehow started the fire.

Witnesses report being able to see the black smoke from several miles away. Video footage reveals that no other adjacent structures were involved.

The Montel Carlo is located just between the New York, New York Hotel & Casino, and the Bellagio. All three are also owned by MGM-Mirage.

Fortunately, this is considered an "off weekend" for the hotel. Had the fire occurred next weekend - the big Super Bowl weekend - things could have been much worse. One thing is for sure though, if you have reservations at the Monte Carlo, you'll want to call and confirm you'll still have a room. It's not clear how much of the hotel will be shut down for repairs.