NC plant fire forces evacuation of nearby homes

SPRUCE PINE, N.C. (AP) - Residents of the Spruce Pine area have returned to their homes after a plant fire forced them to leave in the early morning hours.
   
A dispatcher for the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office said residents were allowed to return home around 9:30 a.m.
   
A press release says The Unimin Corporation Quartz/Feldspar Plant in Spruce Pine suffered what’s termed as “substantial” damage in the fire, which started late Saturday night.
   
Plant manager Doug Myers said there were no injuries at the plant, which normally operates only on weekdays.
   
Officials told people who live within four miles of the plant to evacuate their homes because of the fire. While officials said the fire appeared to be contained as of 5 a.m., residents weren’t given the all clear to return home until later in the morning.
   
The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.