Investigators seek tips after suspected arson burns Bomberger Park playground

A Dayton police officer and a city maintenance worker talk on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at Bomberger Park while looking over playground equipment that was destroyed in a fire early Sunday morning. BRYANT BILLING / STAFF

Credit: Bryant Billing

Credit: Bryant Billing

A Dayton police officer and a city maintenance worker talk on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at Bomberger Park while looking over playground equipment that was destroyed in a fire early Sunday morning. BRYANT BILLING / STAFF

Fire investigators are asking the public to reach out with any information about a suspected arson at Bomberger Park in Dayton.

Just after 4 a.m. Sunday Dayton firefighters responded to the 1300 block of East Fifth Street for a fire.

Engine 2 arrived on scene within about four minutes and found outdoor playground equipment on fire, according to the fire department.

Firefighters got the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

Preliminary damage estimates are pending. The fire is suspected arson, according to the fire department.

A Dayton police incident report noted the playground’s slide was a solidified puddle and plastic structural supports melted enough to cause parts of the playground to shift or collapse entirely.

“A layer of black charred pieces of plastic covered almost every square inch of what remained of the floor of the structure,” the report read.

The Dayton Fire Department Fire Investigations Unit is investigating.

Anyone with information can call the fire department at 937-333-TIPS (8477) or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP (7867).

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