By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

One person died in a house fire early Saturday morning on East Howard Street, according to the Tryon Fire Department.

At 3:03 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, the Tryon Fire Department was dispatched to 950 East Howard Street. A second occupant of the home was able to exit the house safely and call 911, according to the Tryon Fire Department.

“The house was fully involved upon arrival of Tryon fire and Tryon police units,” said Tryon Fire Chief Joey Davis. “The Tryon Fire Department was able to locate a deceased victim in the residence.”

Columbus and Saluda fire departments provided mutual aid with additional assistance from the Landrum Fire Department, Polk County EMS, Polk County Rescue Squad and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Davis said per protocol the investigation was turned over to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

The name of the victim had not yet been released by Saturday evening. Davis said the identification of the victim is pending identification and notification of family members.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation with the investigation including the Tryon Police Department, the Tryon Fire Department and the SBI.

Additional information on the fire and the identification of the victim will be released as information becomes available.

Check with www.tryondailybulletin.com for updates.