TRYON — A fixture of the Tryon community has been lost following a raging fire that erupted inside its premises Thursday morning.

The Historic Melrose Inn, located at 55 Melrose Ave., was destroyed in a suspected electrical fire that broke out around 9:30 a.m. The fire is believed to have started due to a faulty electrical outlet on the first floor of the structure, with the flames quickly consuming the rest of the inn, which was built in 1889.

Firefighters with the Tryon, Saluda, Landrum and Columbus fire departments responded to the fire. According to officials at the scene, the building is believed to be a total loss due to the damage.

There were three people inside the inn at the time, who made it out without injury.

This is a developing story. More details will be posted as they become available.