Fire In Abandoned Binghamton Factory Building

A blaze at an old First Ward manufacturing plant was extinguished by Binghamton firefighters this afternoon.

Assistant fire chief Larry Ostanek says the fire at 67 Clinton Street was reported just after 1:30 p.m.

Ostanek said parts of Clinton and Murray streets were closed for a time while fire units were on the scene.

The blaze was located in the southeast corner of the former E.H. Titchenor and Company factory.

Ostanek said flames at one point were about eight feet high. He said the fire was put out quickly and there were no injuries.

The assistant chief said it's possible the blaze had been set by someone who'd entered the abandoned building to try to keep warm.

Fire investigators were examining the scene. The fire appeared to have been fueled by wood and other debris.

Ostanek said the property now is owned by Broome County. He said the county was expected to take steps to secure the building to keep intruders from returning.