By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

TRYON-The Tryon Presbyterian Church caught fire Friday afternoon, according to the Tryon Fire Department.

The fire department was alerted to the commercial structure fire at 430 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon, at 12:26 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24.

Tryon Assistant Fire Chief James “Tank” Waters said upon his arrival he noticed heavy smoke coming from the craw space as well as the roof line with no flames visible at that time.

Tryon’s Engine 3 arrived and firefighters went into the structure and found heavy fire in the crawl space, according to Waters. The fire in the crawl space burned through the flooring and into the preacher’s office.

Waters said there is substantial damage to the church but no one was there, so there were no injuries. Waters expects the floor joists will have to be replaced and some of the floors, walls and ductwork.

The Tryon Fire Department was assisted by fire departments from Columbus, Saluda, Landrum and Campobello. Because of the nature of the building, Tryon asked Campobello to bring its ladder truck.

Waters said 45-50 firemen were on scene and shortly after their arrival the fire was extinguished.

The fire is not suspected of being from foul play. The Polk County Fire Marhall is investigating the exact cause.