Local

Investigation underway after fire breaks out at Shelby paper mill

SHELBY, N.C. — Fire crews across Cleveland County worked for hours Saturday night to contain a fire at Clearwater Paper Corporation on Washburn Switch Road in Shelby.

A company spokesman said the fire started in the paper storage area around 5:45 p.m. while 100 employees were inside.

Officials said that those employees were evacuated immediately, and none of them were hurt.

The fire was contained to one building and fire crews worked to put it out for three hours. It was unclear when employees could return to work.

Clearwater Paper Corporation manufactures private-label paper products, including bathroom tissue and paper towels.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.