Emergency personnel from as far away as Ulster County are attending to a massive structure fire on the grounds of the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center in Poughkeepsie.
The fire reportedly centered in the historic Avery Building.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino recommended that those with asthma and respiratory conditions keep windows shut and said, “rubbernecking and smoke conditions are causing slowdowns on Route 9.”
Speaking with WAMC Wednesday afternoon, Dutchess County Communications Director Colleen Pillus said the fire was an “all-hands on deck” situation.
“It is a very active, very involved fire. As a matter of fact, you can actually see flames from quite a distance. We can see them here in our office. So, people are asked to avoid that area of Route 9,” said Pillus.
MidHudson News reported the Fairview Fire Department arrived at the scene shortly after 11 am.
Several fires have been reported at the facility, including a 2018 fire that was intentionally set.
The psychiatric center was established in 1868 and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates
