Fire Damages Former Convent Near Endicott School

A building in Endicott that once was used as a convent next to a Broome County Catholic school was damaged by a blaze that was spotted by firefighters.

The fire at 210 Madison Avenue was reported by an EMS unit that passed by the site around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Endicott fire marshal Brian Botsford said the blaze started around the ground area outside the building. It spread upward until it reached the roof of the structure.

The building is located south of All Saints Catholic School, which is on Broad Street.

Botsford said the fire was extinguished in about five minutes. No injuries were reported.

There was damage to the structure's roof and windows, along with some interior damage. Firefighters ventilated the building after the blaze was put out.

Botsford said there had been reports in the past that people had been gaining access to the building without permission. He said there had been efforts to secure the property.

The Broome County fire investigation unit was called to try to determine the cause of the blaze.

Records show the property was purchased by a Queens man from Broome County Catholic Schools in 2014.

The building once was called Seton Hall when it was used as a convent. It later was converted by Catholic Charities of Broome County into a residence for people with mental health issues.

Botsford said he believed the property had been vacant for more than two decades. He said the current owner was using the building for storage.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Endicott police and fire units at 210 Madison Avenue on November 6, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.