Weather Helped Cause Binghamton House Fire

Fire investigators say a blaze on Binghamton's West Side may have happened because of the weather.

It appears high winds helped to ignite the fire linked to a discarded cigarette at 72 Thorp Street.

Lieutenant Jeff DeRado said the blaze on Wednesday (March 2) has been ruled accidental. He said a cigarette butt rolled down between the porch and the apartment house.

The butt may have been smoldering for a time. The strong winds could have fanned the initial flames, causing the fire to spread to the structure.

DeRado said there were working smoke detectors in the building. He said a smoke alarm alert one of the residents who then reported the fire.

No injuries were reported but seven people were left homeless as a result of the fire.

Electricity and natural gas service to the building were shut off by utility crews.

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