Large Johnson City Apartment House Destroyed by Fire

Several people were left homeless when a fast-moving fire tore through a three-story apartment building in Johnson City.

The blaze in the structure at the corner of Cherry Street and Grand Avenue was reported shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday.

Watch WNBF News videos at the end of this article.

The first police officers on the scene reported a raging fire in the basement of the building.

The blaze quickly spread from the lower level of the structure to the upper floors.

A NYSEG crew worked on a natural gas line on Cherry Street in Johnson City on February 16, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Johnson City firefighters were assisted by units from Binghamton, Endwell and Endicott. There apparently were no serious injuries as a result of the fire.

Fire units were on the scene for several hours. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Mayor Christina Charuk said a coordinated effort is being launched to support those who were displaced by Sunday's blaze.

In an email, the mayor said the fire "resulted in the total loss of homes for multiple residents, including school-aged children and one expectant mother."

The south side of the fire-damaged building on February 16, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Charuk described it as "a heartbreaking loss for our neighbors." She said the drive is being organized "to ensure that support is structured, respectful, and truly responsive to each family's needs."

People interested in providing assistance can obtain information online at https://bit.ly/JCcommunity. The link provides a form to allow people and businesses to indicate how they may be will to help through financial contributions, gift cards, clothing and household goods.

Items to help those affected by the fire may be dropped off at Your Home Public Library or at the Johnson City police station.

Crews from LCP Group of Vestal on Monday knocked down what remained of the wrecked building.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: The fire-damaged apartment house on Cherry Street on February 16, 2026.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: The scene after demolition crews tore down the structure on February 16, 2026.

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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.

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