Cause of Binghamton Store Fire Determined

Fire investigators have ruled a blaze at a business on Binghamton's South Side "accidental."

The fire that caused heavy damage to the Family Dollar store on Vestal Avenue was started as a result of an electrical outlet failure.

Lt. Thomas Harding, a city fire investigator, says the problem occurred in a rear stockroom.

The blaze was reported at 12:03 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters were on the scene for more than five hours. No injuries were reported.

Harding says the fire may have been burning for up to 30 minutes before it was reported. He says the blaze grew as it spread to merchandise in the stockroom.

Employees at the Domino's pizza restaurant in the plaza told investigators they had noticed lights in the restaurant flicker about 15 minutes before they smelled smoke.

Harding says the fire spread before it was discovered because there was no detection system in the Family Dollar store.

Investigators reviewed store surveillance video to help determine no one was inside the store before the fire occurred.

Although the blaze was confined to the storage room, the store sustained significant smoke and water damage.