A 2-alarm fire broke out on 115 Montgomery Street in Binghamton, New York. The fire, as firefighters battle massive flames, has closed off several blocks in the area, that can be seen across Interstate Route 81.
Upon arrival firefighters found three buildings in flames and immediately called for additional units. Crews from Vestal, Port Dickinson and the city of Binghamton were called at approximately 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to 115 Montgomery St., according to Binghamton Fire Chief Daniel Thomas.
Another immediate need was a water supply. One fire hydrant was found two blocks away to which, firefighters had to run a 5-inch line from the fireground to the lone fire hydrant to supply water.
"Just with the large volume of fire and really no exposures, it reached the point of just the safety of the firefighters and keeping them and the equipment back," said Fire Chief Thomas.
Chief Thomas said crews were forced to take a defensive approach to fighting the fire, meaning they'll allow it to burn itself out, while ensuring it doesn't spread to other buildings. Chief Thomas said the fire could burn well into Thursday morning.
It was the only approach, Chief Thomas said, because of the fire's intensity and the building's location. Just one road leads to the warehouse.
Fire Chief Thomas said there were reports of people inside the building squatting but didn't think there was anyone inside at the time of the fire.
"When the first crews arrived there was heavy smoke," said Binghamton Fire Marshal Daniel Eggleston. "They could barely even see the building last night when they arrived. We found some dead hydrants that were down here at the end of a dead end road. There were definitely water supply issues."
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
