Vestal Firefighters Called to SUNY-Binghamton Heating Plant

The cause of a smoke condition at the Binghamton University central heating plant was under investigation.

Vestal Fire Department units were sent to the large complex off Bunn Hill Road on the west side of the main campus around 3:15 p.m. Monday.

According to a university spokesperson, "there was a report of smoke at the heating plant" and the fire department "was called in to inspect."

The Binghamton University central heating plant on June 8, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Authorities said there was "a significant amount of smoke inside the silo area" of the heating plant but there appeared to be no damage to the structure.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, although a Vestal Emergency Squad ambulance was on standby at the scene.

A "smoldering situation" apparently developed after some welding had been done during a construction project inside the four-story heating plant structure.

Emergency vehicles on the Binghamton University Vestal campus on June 8, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The area where the smoke originated was described as a "tight spot" posing challenges for firefighters to assess the situation to ensure there was no fire.

Vestal fire units were on the scene for more than two hours. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Vestal firefighters at the Binghamton University central heating plant on June 8, 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 @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.