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*updated 6 p.m.*

‘3910 Fire’ 91% contained as of Tuesday evening

TRYON—The forest fire that spread rapidly on Saturday, March 1, has now burned approximately 619 acres between Tryon and Saluda and was 91% contained as of Tuesday evening, according to Jeremy Waldrop with the North Carolina Forest Service.

“We’re looking at ramping operations down [on Tuesday] and turning back over to local authorities,” Waldrop said. “Today will be the [North Carolina Forest Service] team’s last shift. Back-burning operations will be ending today if they occur. There will be a team mopping up and patrolling the area.”

At 1:29 p.m. on Saturday, Tryon and Saluda Fire Departments responded to a brush fire caused by a downed power line at 3910 U.S. Highway 176. Windy conditions caused the fire to spread up the mountain, threatening multiple structures. Mutual aid from Polk, Henderson, Rutherford, Buncombe, and Spartanburg counties, as well as the North Carolina Forest Service, assisted with containment efforts.

Polk County Fire Marshall Bobby Arledge said that one firefighter sustained minor injuries while working the fire, and one structure, the Valhalla Handweavers building, suffered some damage.

“Our biggest worry is how the winds will affect operations today. Once the smoke clears, we will be able to see if there has been more damage to any structures,” said Arledge on Tuesday. “At that point, the planes will have a better overall view. Crews have worked hard all day to reinforce fire lines and finish burnout operations.”

Arledge added that there would be no night operation Tuesday due to safety concerns with the forecasted high winds and said local fire crews will have their stations staffed and ready to respond if needed.

Back-burning operations to control the 3910 Fire were conducted in the areas of Bear Creek Rd., Hanging Rock Rd., Ocean View Ln., and on U.S. Highway 176 near Tau Rock Vineyard Ln. Crews are monitoring the fire lines and have continued efforts to protect structures and control the blaze. The NCFS also conducted water operations.

Residents on portions of U.S. Highway 176, Meadowlark Drive, Miller Drive, and Baker Rd. in Tryon were required to evacuate on Saturday, and many nearby residents were urged to do so. As of Monday evening, all evacuations have been lifted except for residents on U.S. Highway 176 from 3000 to 3910. A shelter for evacuated residents at the Polk County Senior Center in Columbus closed on Monday.

Although much-needed rain was forecast for Wednesday, Arledge wants residents to know that outdoor burning is still prohibited.

“The burn ban put in place over the weekend is still in effect; conditions before and after this event make it very dangerous to attempt any outdoor burning,” Arledge explained. “It will take a very substantial rain for us to consider lifting the ban.”

Officials also asked residents to continue to avoid the fire area so crews could continue to work safely. Harmon Field was closed to all visitors on Saturday and is currently being used as a staging area for emergency personnel. 

“Please be extra careful if you have to drive or live on 176,” Arledge added. “With the rain forecasted, we just do not know how stable to ground is where the fire was burning. We could see fallen trees, boulders, and potential slides in this area if we receive a lot of rain. The National Weather Service will be monitoring the weather and will keep emergency officials updated overnight.”

Arledge also thanked responders and residents for their assistance and help.

“I cannot thank enough the many fire departments and other emergency personnel that have assisted us during the fire. We are blessed to have the help we received,” he said. “Again, thank you to all the citizens and businesses that offered food, drinks, and supplies. It was greatly appreciated by all of us.”