Fire At United Taconite Forces Evacuation

FORBES, Minn. (AP) -- No injuries are reported after fire forced an evacuation at a taconite plant on northeastern Minnesota's Iron Range.

The fire broke out late Monday morning at Cliffs Natural Resources' United Taconite in Forbes.

The company says the fire was contained to one of the operation's fine crushers and was extinguished within an hour.

Extent of the damage is unknown and the cause remains under investigation.

The Mesabi Daily News reports fire departments from Virginia, Gilbert, Mountain Iron, Fayal, Eveleth, McDavitt and Cherry responded. The fire did not interrupt pelletizing operations at the plant.

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