Fire sweeps through NC furniture plant

LENOIR, N.C. -- Fire has burned a furniture plant in western North Carolina, but there was no immediate report of injuries. The Charlotte Observer reported the fire started about 1:45 a.m. Monday at the Singer plant in Lenoir. The fire was still burning more than five hours later and firefighters were trying to prevent the flames from spreading to other buildings. More than 60 firefighters had been called to the scene. The newspaper reported that flames could be seen from 5 miles away at times during the night. Fire officials said crews have not been able to get inside the building, because of the flames. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)