The fire reportedly was called in by someone passing by on Hwy. 176 at around 1 p.m. Firefighters reported steady winds that frequently changed direction, making their task more difficult. At one point a large branch fell from a tree not far from an area where firefighters were spraying water with hoses. The fire line came within several yards of at least a couple houses in the 2500 block of Hwy. 176, and large plumes of smoke drifted east across Bucks Mountain and Warrior Mountain. A spotter plane and two Forest Service helicopters were brought in to help control the blaze, and eventually a light, but steady rain helped keep it from spreading further. The Forest Service helicopters were released at around 5 p.m.The N.C. Forest Service and Tryon Fire Department received assistance from other departments across the region, including Columbus, Saluda, Mill Spring, Green Creek, Landrum and Boiling Springs. The Polk County Sheriff&39;s Office, Polk County Rescue Squad and the Polk County Chapter of the American Red Cross also assisted at the scene. &bsp;