Man Burned Rescuing Girl From Binghamton Fire

Authorities say one man was burned and several people were left homeless after an early-morning fire in downtown Binghamton.

The blaze at 162 Henry Street was reported at 3:33 a.m. Saturday (March 26). It caused extensive damage to two attached buildings. The fire scene was just east of DiRienzo Brothers Bakery and across the street from the NYSEG Stadium parking lot.

Captain Timothy O'Neill said the man who was injured was taken to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton for treatment of minor burns.

Residents told WNBF News the man ran into the burning building to rescue a 3-year-old girl.

Two 10-year-old boys who had been inside the house when the fire broke out said the girl had been hiding behind a couch.

One of the boys, Zymere Burgess, said he awoke to hear "loud banging" that sounded like thunder. He said he saw flashes of light and then "there was fire everywhere." He said he helped to alert others to the fire.

O'Neill said he believed there had been between five and seven people inside at the time of the fire.

The American Red Cross provided assistance to those forced out by the blaze. Help was being provided at the nearby post office.

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