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Fire cause undetermined
Extensive water damage is apparent in this view of the Bingo section of the Eagles Aerie. Fraternity members are mulling how to proceed following the June 8 fire which destroyed the roof and structure of the building's second story.
DAYTON–Perhaps the Dayton Eagles, like the proverbial Phoenix, will rise from its own ashes.
In the aftermath of the yet-undetermined blaze that severely damaged the Dayton Eagles Aerie No. 2618's 222 East Main building, the membership of the local fraternal organization talked about options and appears to be favoring recovering the remaining structure.
At a membership meeting June 24, Aerie members heard from Fire Marshal Clint Atteberry, who informed them that the fire's cause remains inconclusive, according the Trustee Lupe Benavides. Eagles and Eagles Auxiliary members held the meeting at the Fairgrounds Youth Building.
"It might have been electrical," Benavides told the Chronicle this week. "We weren't doing any torching [of the roof] that day. We can't tell until they do more digging.
"Nobody got blamed," Benavides added, "and the biggest thing is nobody got hurt."
With restoration as a goal, members have ventured into the building to evaluate its condition and formulate a plan, Benavides said. "Part of the building is still good," Benavides said. "Some of it can be fixed. It's not completely all gone."
A contractor has been on site and is advising the aerie on what needs to be done to dry the building and eradicate mold that has formed in the basement. Newly installed flooring is said to be buckling and will need to be removed to allow the building's moisture level to return to normal. Benavides said the organization is looking for a contractor to remove the buckled sheeting and flooring.
"We need to let it breathe and get the mold out of there," Benavides said.
The insurance adjuster visited the site the day after the June 24 membership meeting, Benavides said.
Insurance funds were received to pay for Don Jackson Excavation to remove the parapet and façade to a lower level to permit Main Street/Highway 12 to reopen and to not interfere with All Wheels Weekend.
"We're in the same boat as before," Benavides said. "The insurance will only pay for so much."
Around $100,000 was disbursed to the Aerie for removal of the façade and installation of protective fencing and netting. Estimates of the building's insurance value are around $450,000, with about $100,000 value placed on its contents.
The Aerie's next meeting has not been set, Benavides noted.
