Request to Pinnacle Mountain fire evacuees

Until at least the noon hour today, Pinnacle Mountain evacuees are requested to stay out of the area.  The request, thru Pickens County Emergency Management, applies to evacuees from Back Park Road, Country Creek Drive and the west side of South Saluda Road. “We understand the significance of prolonged evacuation and its inconvenience but this decision is always made in the best interest of our citizens”, stated Denise Kwiatek, Director of Pickens County Emergency Management. Crews have not encountered any specific issues that are of significant concern from Saturday’s operations but the low humidity and significant wind gusts have resulted in spot fires and hot spots that continue to be addressed through aerial water drops, dozers and wildland firefighters. Evacuees need to plan to be evacuated until at least noon Monday, November 21st and residents should expect to see first responders remaining in the area at least a week later. Citizens are reminded to avoid the Highway 11, Highway 178 North, and South Saluda Road areas to reduce traffic and congestion around the fire area.