Two Boats Destroyed in Johnson City Arson Fire

Authorities in Johnson City are investigating a raging fire that tore through a couple of boats parked outside a village business.

The blaze occurred near the northeast corner of the Moore's Tire Sales building at 361 Grand Avenue. It was reported shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday.

Watch WNBF News videos at the end of this article.

A thick plume of black smoke generated by the fire was visible for miles. The scene was located between the Route 201 Flyover and the recently-opened Homesteads on Grand Apartments.

Firefighters battled the blaze in frigid conditions at snow over the area. The fire was brought under control after about 15 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Grand Avenue between Riverside Drive and Cook Street was closed because of fire department operations.

Johnson City police and fire investigators have not released information about the blaze. But a Moore's Tire Sales representative said the fire appeared to be a case of arson based on what could be seen on surveillance video.

The representative said on the recording two boys could be seen walking through snow toward the parked boats around 4 p.m.

When flames erupted in one of the boats about an hour later, the boys could be seen leaving the area in the same direction where they had entered.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Johnson City police and fire units at the scene off Grand Avenue on February 12, 2026.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A brief inspection of the damaged boats on February 13, 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.