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TRYON—A large brush fire spread near Tryon on Saturday, prompting evacuations.

According to Deputy Chief Josh Connell with the Tryon Fire Department, as of 5:30 p.m. the fire near U.S. 176 between Tryon and Saluda had grown to approximately 400 acres. As of 7 p.m, it was still 0% contained. Multiple fire departments are currently working to control the blaze.

Trent Duncan with the North Carolina Forest Service said no structures have been damaged that he is aware of.

“We have aviation resources, two dozers, lots of departments working on the fire,” Duncan said. “About 40 structures are currently threatened, but zero are involved in the fire at this time.”

Officials believe the fire started when a tree fell into power lines, causing arcing and sparking the flame. The region was under a Red Flag Warning on Saturday due to windy conditions and low humidity. 

Just after 2 p.m., officials sent a message warning residents on portions of U.S. Highway 176 and Meadowlark Drive to evacuate. Later, residents of other roads in the area were also urged to evacuate.

A shelter for residents who have been evacuated is available at the Polk County Senior Center on Carmel Lane in Columbus.

Residents in the following areas were told to evacuate due to the fire: the 1100-block to 3910-block of U.S. Highway 176, Meadowlark Drive, Warrior Mountain Road, Sourwood Ridge Road, Oceanview Drive, Black Bear Lane, Joines Drive, Tomahawk Lane, Rhododendron Drive, Azalea Drive, Camp David Drive, Jessica Hope Lane, Valley View Lane, Jericho Drive, Stone Circle Drive, Miller Drive, Baker Road, and parts of Warrior Drive. Officials have gone door to door in mandatory evacuation zones to alert residents.

Residents were urged to call the Tryon Police Department at 828 859-9151 for further questions. The Tryon Daily Bulletin will provide updates on the fire as more information becomes available.