Investigators Pinpoint Cause of Vestal Fire That Left 6 Homeless

Fire investigators believe they've discovered the point of origin for a fast-moving blaze that destroyed a Vestal home.

The fire at 101 Mark Court was reported around 5:50 p.m. Tuesday.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, flames were shooting from the rear side of the house. The fire and smoke were visible for several miles.

Five of the six people who lived in the home were inside when the fire erupted. They were able to escape without injury.

Broome County senior fire investigator Brian Botsford Wednesday afternoon said the exact cause of the blaze was undetermined because of the heavy damage.

Botsford said investigators believe the fire started under a back porch around a gas line that fed an outdoor grill. It appeared a leak in that line may have been linked to the fire.

The family apparently had not used the gas grill since moving into the house.

Vestal firefighters were assisted by units from Endicott. No injuries were reported.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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