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Fairview Firefighters were dispatched for a report of smoke in the area of Fulton Street around 4 a.m. Friday and found smoke coming from the area of the old Hudson River Psychiatric Center, Maeder said.
Upon further investigation, a fire was found in the wing of the old main administration building. Additional resources were immediately called to the scene, the chief said.
After a majority of the fire was knocked down, it was determined that the fire extended into the main building requiring additional ladders and fire apparatus to be called to the scene to help control the fire, he added.
Maeder said an investigation into the fire determined that it was intentionally set.
EFG/DRA Heritage, LLC, the company that owns the site and has plans for development, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever who started the fire.
Assisting at the scene was Pleasant Valley Fire District, City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department, New Hamburg Fire District, Arlington Fire District, Roosevelt Fire District, Union Vale Fire District, LaGrange Fire District, Hyde Park Fire Department, Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, Town of Poughkeepsie Police, Water, and Building Department, and Mobile Life Support Services. Stand-by coverage was provided by the Rhinebeck Fire Department.
Anyone with information about the fire can call the Town of Poughkeepsie Police at 845-485-3666.
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