Third Fire in Two Years at Abandoned Binghamton Lumber Yard

A former Binghamton lumber yard that was supposed to be vacant may not have been empty as fire broke out at around 2:30 p.m. March 10 at the site, suspected in the past of being used by vandals and the homeless.

For at least the third time in two years, fire crews responded to a blaze at the old Golden Rule/ All Around Building Supplies building on Brown Street.

Crews manning five engines responded and were met by heavy smoke and flames.

Fire officials say battling the blaze in the massive structure was difficult due to its size, many open areas and several areas of compartmentalized construction.

The business between Main and Clinton Streets has been closed for several years but officials say the utilities were still on.

It took firefighters over a half hour to contain and knock down the fire.

Officials say they aren’t sure if the building can be salvaged.

There were no reports of injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.