Police: Endicott Arson Did Not Target Firefighters

Investigators now say they don't believe firefighters were targeted with trip wires set up in an Endicott building damaged by an arson fire.

Endicott police detective lieutenant Steve Noyes Wednesday morning said it does not appear the former synagogue had been booby-trapped in an effort to harm firefighters.

The blaze at the building at 117 Jefferson Avenue was discovered around two o'clock Friday morning by a village police officer who smelled smoke while on patrol.

The fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported.

Gasoline, propane and butane were found inside the building after the blaze was out.

Fire investigators had said they believed trip wires had been placed in an effort to injure firefighters.

Noyes said it now appears the lines discovered in the building were installed to help the fire spread but were not designed to target firefighters.

Noyes said the investigation conducted by village detectives and the Broome County fire investigation team does not support earlier indications the fire was set for the sole purpose of harming first responders.

Noyes said police have no suspects and no motive for the arson case.

People with information about the fire may contact the Endicott police detective division at 607.757.2479.

For breaking news or late developments, following @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.