Investigators Pinpoint Cause of Raging Binghamton House Fire

Authorities have determined what sparked a destructive blaze in an apartment house on Binghamton's West Side.

The fast-moving fire at 72 Thorp Street was reported around 6:30 p.m. Monday.

A dispatcher told emergency responders that someone who had been in the two-story building said "something blew up" in an apartment.

Flames were shooting from the first floor of the building on the northeast corner of Thorp and Jarvis streets when police arrived at the scene.

The raging fire spread to a neighboring apartment building at 70 Thorp Street. One side of that structure sustained some damage.

A fire department incident commander called for a second alarm a few minutes later. Firefighters remained on Thorp Street for more than six hours. No injuries were reported.

Six people were reported to be inside the apartment house where the fire originated. Some of them were assisted by the Red Cross.

Mayor Jared Kraham said police and fire investigators concluded the fire was traced to a "large lithium-ion battery that was being used to power an electric scooter." The battery apparently malfunctioned as it was being charged.

An emergency demolition order was issued and workers from Gorick Construction Company tore down what remained of the fire-damaged house.

Broome County records indicate the property is owned by AJEM Group LLC, which is affiliated with Isaac Anzaroot of Brooklyn. Kraham said he was unsure whether Anzaroot or a bank were currently in control of the site.

It was not clear whether those who were in the house at the time of the blaze were authorized to be there.

WATCH: WNBF News interviewed Mayor Kraham on Thorp Street on May 13, 2025.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.