Emergency demolition begins at abandoned warehouse damaged in massive fire

Emergency demolition is underway Monday at the site of a massive fire in an abandoned warehouse in Dayton.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Massive Dayton warehouse fire ruled arson, fire officials say 

The demolition to the structure near the intersection of Bainbridge and Bacon streets, comes just two days after fire swept through and severely damaged the structure Saturday night.

PHOTOS: Dayton abandoned warehouse fire

“We just needed to wait until the fire was completely out, all the hotspots knocked down before we could start dragging things out or taking the building down so you just have to do that so you’re ready for demolition,” Dayton fire District Chief David Wright said.

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Firefighters did not enter the structure to battle the blaze, already having concerns for the structural integrity even before the fire broke out, according to officials. Now, the building will be demolished while the investigation continues.

“Emergency demolition process renders the structure safe, but the debris removal will not come until later,” Dayton Fire Department spokesman Bryan Adams said.

Earlier, firefighters determined the blaze was intentionally set and ruled it arson.

Two juveniles, both 16 years old, have been arrested on charges connected to the blaze.

We’ll continue to update this page as new details become available.

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