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Melrose Fire estimated to be 400 to 500 acres in size

TRYON—All evacuation orders and requests put in place due to a Tryon forest fire that spread on Saturday remain in place today.

The Melrose Fire, first reported in the 3900 block of U.S. Highway 176 around 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, quickly grew to approximately 400 to 500 acres in total.

“At this point in time, we have a very small amount contained,” officials said in an email from Tryon Communications. “We are asking that all traffic avoid the areas of U.S. Hwy. 176, Harmon Field Rd., and Howard Gap Rd. to allow emergency personnel to get through and to keep them safe as they utilize hydrants along the road side.”

Residents on portions of U.S. Highway 176, Meadowlark Drive, Miller Drive, and Baker Rd. in Tryon were required to evacuate, and many residents nearby were urged to evacuate. A shelter for residents who have been evacuated is available at the Polk County Senior Center, located at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus.

Harmon Field is now closed to all visitors as it is being used as a staging area for emergency personnel.

“Due to elevated traffic and onlookers at Harmon Field Park, we are closing the park immediately to all public at all entrances until further notice,” a message from Tryon Communications stated. “The main cabin entrance is not barricaded, but will be utilized for emergency personnel only. Please keep all unnecessary traffic off of Harmon Field Rd. We need to keep the road opened for all emergency vehicles.”

Officials believe the fire started when a tree fell into power lines, causing arcing and sparking a flame. The region experienced windy conditions and low humidity throughout Saturday, and a Red Flag Warning was in effect.

Multiple fire departments are working to contain the fire, along with aviation resources. No injuries or structure fires have been reported as a result of the blaze.