Investigators say the Main Street-Binghamton fire that displaced dozens of tenants from their apartment complex this weekend was started by a man cooking methamphetamine. The fire broke out just before 11:45 p.m. Saturday at 259 Main Street. Binghamton Police responded to investigate. They later determined the fire was set by a man cooking drugs Saturday night. Daniel Kauchis, of Binghamton, was charged with reckless endangerment and arson. Police said they believe Kauchis was “cooking meth” in an apartment when mixed ingredients created a chemical reaction that caused a small explosion. Kauchis was burned on his leg, face and hand. He was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and is being held at the Broome County Jail.
The apartment building has extensive damage and is uninhabitable, leaving dozens of tenants homeless, according to police. The Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross initially sheltered 41 people the night of the fire. The Binghamton Police Department along with the Binghamton Fire Marshal’s Office are working together on the case. The Binghamton Fire Department was on scene for nearly 20 hours.
