Demolition crews started work on a 19th-century Binghamton building a few hours after a two-alarm fire was extinguished.

The blaze at 74 Front Street was reported around 9 a.m. Tuesday. Thick black smoke from the fire could be seen for miles as flames engulfed the three-story structure where 15 Binghamton University lacrosse team members lived.

Authorities said all who were inside the building when the blaze erupted were safe.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Around noon, Mayor Richard David said the property had been declared a "total loss." In a tweet, he wrote that "city officials have deemed the building unsafe."

Gorick Construction Company workers began demolishing the structure around 4 p.m. as many people - including several Binghamton University students - watched from across the street.

People watch the demolition of a fire-damaged building on Front Street on April 27, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
People watch the demolition of a fire-damaged building on Front Street on April 27, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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FLASHBACK: An undated photograph of a three-story house at 74 Front Street in Binghamton. (Photo: Broome County Government)
FLASHBACK: An undated photograph of a three-story house at 74 Front Street in Binghamton. (Photo: Broome County Government)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

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