Hotspots continue burning after massive fire at former psychiatric center in Poughkeepsie
The fire began around 12 p.m. and resulted in multiple alarms.
More Stories
Smoke is still rising more than a day after a massive fire tore through a former psychiatric center in Poughkeepsie.
Crews remained on scene overnight and into Thursday monitoring hotspots across the property near the Hudson Heritage Hills shopping center.
While the flames are no longer visible, smoke continues to drift from the site, and officials say that could continue for several days.
Fairview Fire District Chief Jim Bohlman said firefighters are exhausted but safe after the long response. "We're tired, we're drained, but everyone is safe," Bohlman said.
He said some firefighters were taken for treatment due to heat-related issues, but all are now doing well.
Crews are focused on hotspots that remain throughout the debris.
"We do have many hotspots that are still on the building," Bohlman said. "We're going to be here for a number of days monitoring those."
He said some areas are difficult to reach because of collapsed debris.
The fire began around 11 a.m. Wednesday at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center, a complex built in the 1800s and designated a historic landmark in 2007.
Wednesday coverage
News 12's Ben Nandy at the scene
Flames spread quickly through multiple buildings, drawing at least a dozen fire departments from across the region.
Officials say the lack of nearby hydrants made the response more challenging, forcing crews to use tanker trucks and pull water from other locations.
Bohlman credited the widespread response from regional agencies for helping protect parts of the site. "The effort that was made to try and save the buildings that were under renovation was above and beyond," he said.
Air quality is now being monitored in the area, with officials saying conditions are currently at reasonable levels. However, residents with respiratory conditions are still urged to take precautions.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
While no active flames were visible, smoke could be seen drifting from the hillside and could be smelled in the area.
Officials have not yet confirmed if the fire is fully under control.
The fire began around 11 a.m. Wednesday at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center, a hospital complex built in the 1800s and designated a historic landmark in 2007.
Flames quickly spread to multiple buildings, triggering several alarms and drawing at least a dozen fire departments from across the region.
News 12 Meteorologist Jonathan Cubit explains how conditions are impacting the fire
Fire officials say the lack of nearby hydrants made the response more difficult, forcing crews to rely on tanker trucks and alternative water sources.
Flames and thick smoke were visible for miles as the fire intensified.
