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No injuries reported, roughly three to five acres burned

COLUMBUS—Columbus Fire Department was dispatched to a large fire in a wooded area alongside Hwy. 74  just after 5 p.m. on Monday, November 27. Crews were able to contain the blaze and worked throughout the evening to extinguish hotspots.

The fire was spread along multiple patches over the course of approximately a quarter of a mile near mile marker 161, according to Polk County Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge. The cause of the fire is unknown, and approximately three to five acres were burned in the fire, officials say.

Four separate structures were threatened by the fire but firefighters were able to contain the flames before it reached any buildings. No injuries were reported, and evacuations were not needed.

“All crews were able to quickly arrive on scene and contain the fire before it reached any structures,” said Captain Will Craine with the Columbus Fire Department. “We were able to efficiently work together to keep the fire from spreading.”

“We will continue to monitor the situation overnight and begin work (Tuesday morning) placing a dozer line,” Craine added. “But as of tonight all hand lines that were placed are holding containment well.”

Polk County is currently facing extreme drought conditions (D3), according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.

Columbus Fire Department, Tryon Fire Department, Saluda Fire and Rescue, Sunny View Fire Department, Mill Spring Fire Department, Green Creek Fire Rescue, Landrum Fire Department and Gowensville Fire Department were all on scene, as well as the N.C. Forest Service, Polk EMS and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.