Police, Fire Investigators Seek Cause of Binghamton Blaze

Authorities are continuing their effort to determine what sparked a fire that resulted in heavy damage to an apartment building on Binghamton's West Side.

About 15 people who lived in the three-story structure at 25 Charlotte Street are homeless.

City police and fire department investigators have been conducting interviews as they seek the cause of the blaze that erupted early Saturday morning.

The fire was brought under control after about three hours. Firefighters returned to the building twice over the weekend to extinguish smaller blazes that apparently flared up.

A fire department investigator said five of the six apartments in the building had been occupied.

Two people reportedly sustained minor smoke inhalation but no serious injuries were reported.

Property records show the building is owned by CSBW Realty Corporation of Rockland County. A spokesman said it hasn't been determined whether the house will be demolished.

The fire investigator said more than 50 percent of the building had been damaged.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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