America's Packard Museum ravaged by fire

Photo - WHIO (Jim Noelker/Staff)

On Tuesday, November 17, The Citizens Motorcar Company: America’s Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio, sustained a devastating fire in its off-site storage warehouse in Harrison Township. Many irreplaceable Packard automobiles and artifacts were lost to the fire, which is believed to be the result of a human act and possibly vandalism.

"The staff and volunteers at America’s Packard Museum are heartbroken by the vandalism and fire that occurred last night at our warehouse on Ome Avenue," stated a museum press release. "As the investigation into the cause and scope of damage are still underway, we are attempting to come to grips with the enormity of the loss of irreplaceable vehicles and artifacts."

Preliminary reports said the bulk of damage was centered in the area of the building in which cars are restored. Museum officials told Old Cars Weekly that the fire department has not deemed the area safe enough for museum officials to return to the site and completely asses the damage, so the number of Packards considered to be lost has not yet been determined. Images of the fire show that a ca.-1948 Packard Station Sedan and several mid-1950s Packard models were affected by the flames.

Local media reported that strong winds and low water pressure made the blaze difficult to extinguish. The fire Although much was lost, the museum credited local fire department for its efforts.

"The Harrison Township Fire Department went above and beyond any reasonable expectation in preserving a great number of valuable vehicles. Our gratitude for their hard work and professionalism is unbounded. The outpouring of support we have already received, both emotional and by way of volunteered time and resources is sincerely appreciated."

As the fire was located away from the museum's main site, it remains opens today and every weekday from 12-5 pm and 1-5 pm weekends.