Dayton Fire Department closes investigation into Traxler Mansion fire

DAYTON — The investigation into the devastating fire that destroyed a historic mansion in Dayton has now officially been closed.

The Traxler mansion on Yale Avenue was destroyed in that fire in April. It was built more than 120 years ago.

The Dayton Fire Department said the cause of the fire is officially “undetermined.” Capt. Brad French said, “Due to the extent of the damage at the incident site, and lack of other available evidence, the investigators were unable to determine a cause of the fire to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty and must therefore conclude it as undetermined.”

>> Historic Dayton mansion a total loss after fire

News Center 7 was there for the auction at the Montgomery County Administration building when the historic Traxler Mansion sold for $41,000.

This was the second time the mansion, which was heavily damaged by a fire in April, went on the auction block. It went unsold in early May.

The mansion on Yale Avenue was built more than 120 years ago.

Fred Holley, President of Dayton View Historic Association, previously told News Center 7 that the fire was a “tragedy” for the association and the neighborhood.

After previously going unsold last month, Holley told us he thought the property would go through four Sheriff’s auctions with anticipated price drops. Instead, the property sold for more than the $38,439 minimum bidding price listed at its second auction.

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Traxler Mansion Fire (Chuck Hamlin/Staff)

Fred Holley, President of Dayton View Historic Association, previously told News Center 7 that the fire was a “tragedy” for the association and the neighborhood.

After previously going unsold last month, Holley told us he thought the property would go through four Sheriff’s auctions with anticipated price drops. Instead, the property sold for more than the $38,439 minimum bidding price listed at its second auction.

News Center 7 spoke to Janay Corbitt, the woman who bought the mansion. She told us that she hadn’t seen the aftermath of the fire in person.

“I haven’t seen the burned down shell in person, but I’ve seen it online, and I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to restore the home and get it back in safe living condition,” Corbitt said.

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