Downtown Dayton warehouse fire: Two juveniles questioned, blaze ruled arson, officials say

We’re working to learn more information about an emergency demolition that will occur on an abandoned building after a massive fire took place Saturday evening.

Officials are on scene as of Monday morning checking for hot spots after two juveniles, both 16 years old, were taken into custody in connection with the blaze near Wayne Avenue at the corner of Bainbridge and Bacon streets.

The fire was confirmed as arson by a deputy chief.

UPDATE @ 11:05 p.m.:

The building fire from Saturday evening has been confirmed as arson by a deputy fire chief.

Two juveniles were spotted running from the scene and have been taken into custody for questioning.

UPDATE @ 10:10 p.m.:

Upon arrival, firefighters could not enter the structure for various reasons due to hazards to the crews and the public, said Dayton Fire Department spokesperson Jeff Payne.

Upon arrival, the abandoned building fire was blowing heavy smoke and flames from the top of the building. Crews immediately put water on the fire from different areas.

Four engines and two trucks responded before the Commander sent out a second alarm, which sends out for two more engines and trucks.

A total of six engines and three trucks responded to the scene, with four people per crew. A couple of medics along with a rehab vehicle were also there to assist.

Crews rotated every 20 to 30 minutes to help put out the fire, but took breaks to help keep their vitals and hydration up.

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A majority of the fire has been knocked down, but some crews will be on scene for another two to three hours.

A worker at the Troll Pub, Alejandra Jones, said she was right in front of the fire. “I think this is the second time this buildings caught on fire, but it wasn’t this big. I was nothing like this,” said Jones.

The heat from this fire can still be felt from this vacant warehouse.

UPDATE @ 9:20 p.m.:

The fire continues around Bainbridge and Bacon in downtown Dayton.

Crews are working to put the fire out.

The cause is still unknown.

FIRST REPORT:

A building fire has been confirmed by Montgomery County dispatch around Wayne Avenue.

Residents all around Montgomery County can see the thick smoke in the air from the fire.

Crews were dispatched at 8:40 p.m., and there was heavy fire upon arrival.

We have a crew on scene and will update this page when more information becomes available.

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