The Associated Press

Wed, Mar 26, 2008 (4:12 a.m.)

No charges will be filed in a spectacular fire that damaged the facade of the Monte Carlo hotel-casino in Las Vegas.

Clark County Fire Chief Steve Smith says the Jan. 25 fire was started by welders working on the roof without proper permits, but it wasn't intentional.

The fire forced the evacuation of 6,000 guests and employees and cost some $100 million in damage and lost business. Seventeen people suffered minor injuries.

Smith says the casino and contractor Union Erectors LLC were punished enough by the fire. He says officials want the fire to serve as an example of the importance of getting the right permits and applying them correctly.