British tourists evacuated from Las Vegas hotels after fire broke out

Thousands of British tourists were evacuated from hotels in Las Vegas last night after a huge fire broke out in the Monte Carlo hotel.

It is believe the fire initially broke out of the roof of the huge hotel and casino around 11am (7pm UK time).

But within 30 minutes the fire had spread so quickly, the top four floors of the hotel were engulfed in flames.

As more than 50 fireman battled the blaze and black smoke billowed across the Vegas skyline, tourists from most of the hotels on the Strip including the Bellagio and New York New York were being evacuated to safety.

As the fire raged through the top four floors of the Monte Carlo hotel it was reported that four employees of the hotel and casino were trapped on the roof.

There have been no reports of any injuries or deaths at this stage nor has there been any confirmation that any guests are trapped in any rooms on the floor that appear to be burning.

The fire is currently burning in three different parts of the casino and guests on floors lower than the 32nd where the fire had spread to were spotted looking out of hotel windows, and guests were reported to still be gambling.

Debris is also falling from the blaze, and it is catching other parts of the hotel on fire.

Parts of the building several floors below the main blaze had begun burning as huge chunks of the hotel's faade fell onto ledges sticking out below.

There is no word yet on the cause of the blaze which is believed to have started on the hotel's roof.

The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas prides itself on providing guests with, according to their website, "luxury you would expect with value you simply can't ignore."

The AAA Four Diamond hotel boasts 3,000 luxurious rooms and spacious penthouses.

Guests are guaranteed 24-hour service and are offered the chance to mix business with pleasure.

A Deluxe Room for two - with one king bed - at this time of the year could cost as little as $99.95 a night.

Guests with bigger wallets can pay at least $329.95 for a Spa Suite where guests can relax and rejuvenate.

By Owen Williams, Jan 25 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy