Poughkeepsie, New York — A massive fire ripped through several buildings at the historic Hudson River Psychiatric Center in New York’s Hudson Valley, sending thick smoke into the sky and drawing a large-scale emergency response from fire departments across the region.
The dramatic blaze engulfed multiple structures on the long-abandoned campus, which has stood as a historic landmark for more than a century.
Historic Psychiatric Center Consumed by Flames
According to officials, the fire broke out Wednesday at the former psychiatric facility in Poughkeepsie, a sprawling campus originally established in 1867.
The site operated for generations before eventually closing and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 due to its historical significance.
Aerial footage from the scene showed several large buildings completely engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.
Many of the structures on the property were constructed primarily of wood and dated back to the late nineteenth century, making them especially vulnerable once the fire began spreading.
Smoke Visible Across the Region
Officials said the intensity of the fire produced massive plumes of smoke that could be seen from miles away throughout the Hudson Valley.
Emergency crews responded quickly as flames spread across multiple buildings on the campus.
Authorities reported that the blaze began in the former Avery Building before rapidly extending to two additional structures.
The size and complexity of the property created significant challenges for firefighters attempting to contain the flames.
Massive Firefighting Response Mobilized
At least a dozen fire departments from surrounding communities responded to the scene as crews worked for hours to battle the fast-moving fire.
Officials emphasized that the age and condition of the abandoned buildings complicated firefighting efforts.
“Because of the sheer size, age, and vacant nature of the structures on the old campus, fighting fires here requires an immense amount of water transport and manpower,” Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said in a statement.
Serino also urged residents to avoid the area while emergency crews continued operations.
The extensive response required large amounts of equipment, personnel and water resources due to the scale of the incident.
Firefighter Injured During Emergency Response
While no civilian injuries were reported, authorities confirmed that one firefighter suffered a heat-related injury while battling the blaze.
The firefighter was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel and did not require further hospitalization, according to reports.
Officials said the quick response by EMS personnel helped ensure the injury did not become more serious.
Meanwhile, firefighters continued working to prevent the fire from spreading to additional structures on the expansive property.
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Investigation Into Cause Underway
Authorities say the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Officials noted that the abandoned campus is not connected to the electrical grid, eliminating one potential source investigators often examine in structure fires.
The first report of smoke reportedly came from a bystander who contacted emergency services around 11 a.m.
Investigators are now working to determine exactly how the blaze started and whether any criminal activity may have played a role.
For years, developers have discussed plans to redevelop the historic 150-acre campus, but little progress has been made despite ongoing proposals.
The devastating fire now raises additional questions about the future of one of the Hudson Valley’s most recognizable historic properties.
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