Woman Charged with Arson in Massive Binghamton Blaze

Binghamton police have arrested a woman suspected of setting a fire that ripped through a three-story apartment building.

Authorities say the suspect is 36-year-old Marquetta James of New Haven, Connecticut.

Investigators describe James as an acquaintance of someone who lived at 159 Conklin Avenue, where the fire occurred.

The blaze in the three-story structure was reported around 7:15 a.m. Tuesday. Everyone who was inside the building at the time the fire erupted made it out safely.

Firefighters spent hours battling the blaze in bitter cold temperatures.

About 30 people were reportedly left homeless due to the fire.

Police were told that James was responsible for the blaze. Detectives later found her at a Binghamton hotel.

The apartment building was deemed a total loss. City officials have ordered its demolition.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.