Home was not occupied; no injuries reported

COLUMBUS—A house was completely destroyed by a fire early Monday morning along Houston Road in Columbus. 

The house was located at 780 Houston Road, Columbus, with the Columbus Fire Department dispatched at 4:42 a.m. to a fully involved structure fire, according to Columbus Fire Chief Tony Priester. 

Priester said the first apparatus on scene confirmed a fully involved structure and the home was a total loss. 

There were no occupants in the home at the time of the fire, as the home was vacant. 

Fire departments from Columbus, Tryon and Mill Spring responded to the fire. Houston Road was closed for some time Monday morning. 

The Polk County Rescue Squad also responded to provide rehab for firefighters. 

No cause has yet to be determined. 

The Polk County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.