The main body of the fire has been contained at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center, Fairview Fire District Chief Justin Bohlmann announced the evening of June 4.
At noon that day, all mutual aid fire and EMS resources were safely released.
However, Fairview crews were still on the property to suppress localized hot spots, as of approximately 5:15 p.m. on June 4.
The extreme heat and a prolonged operational cycle required significant medical monitoring, and four firefighters required medical evaluation.
Two of the four firefighters, who were not named, were evaluated and cleared while at the site of operations.
The other two firefighters, who were also not named, were transported to local hospitals for treatment related to heat exhaustion and dehydration; both are expected to recover.
Detailed account of fire operations at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center
The Fairview Fire District units were originally dispatched on June 3 at 11:19 a.m. for a reported smoke investigation at 120 Hudson View Drive — the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center.
The first-arriving units, which Bohlmann said were at the property in under 90 seconds, discovered a visible column of smoke deep in a wooded area on the northern end of the campus. Crews identified a fire in a standalone structure.
However, as firefighters moved to place the initial building fire under control, units discovered a second, separate fire, rapidly developing in the northeast wing of the main administration building.
Immediately after discovering this, fire command escalated operations, repositioning equipment and calling for extensive mutual aid.
Swiftly changing fire conditions caused the fire to spread aggressively through the main building. The rear of the building was consumed. The fire extended across the east and southeast sides, tore through the south wings and ultimately compromised the front section of the facility, which had recently been undergoing commercial renovations.
Bohlmann said firefighters made a valiant, aggressive effort to protect and save the newly renovated portions of the historic administration building.
Bohlmann emphasized these personnel went above and beyond the call of duty while under grueling conditions.
In the end, command ordered an immediate evacuation of the building, transitioning operations defensively, as the structural integrity was deteriorating, with severe collapse hazards, alongside quickly expanding fire volumes.
Multiple secondary brush and grass fires, sparked by the main blaze, were also successfully managed and suppressed.
The defensive fire suppression continued, with elevated master streams, late into the night on June 3.
Demobilization of mutual aid began around midnight, leaving minimal overnight crews monitoring, and at noon on June 4, all mutual aid fire and EMS resources were safely released, with Fairview personnel remaining to continue hot spot suppression.
Environmental impacts, air quality
To track environmental impacts, Bohlmann said the Fairview Fire District has been working closely with the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
A NYS DEC air monitor — located at the Adriance Library in the City of Poughkeepsie, 2.25 miles south of the fire — recorded slightly elevated readings, but these levels remain well within the safe reference range.
General Air Quality Index readings for the area remain in the yellow category, indicating acceptable air quality.
As a precaution, health officials advise those who are in the immediate vicinity of smoke, are highly sensitive to air pollution, or have pre-existing respiratory and medical issues, to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and remain indoors with air conditioning running.
Fire investigation is still ongoing
The initial phase of the fire investigation on the property was completed midday on June 4, according to Bohlmann.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under an active and joint investigation by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Fire Investigation Bureau and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.
The two entities are being assisted by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, which deployed an Unmanned Aerial System for aerial damage assessment and an Accelerant Detection Canine unit.
The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department continues to maintain a secure perimeter around the site.
The public should continue to avoid the area to allow emergency vehicles clear access.
A thank you from the Fairview Fire District
Bohlmann, on behalf of the Fairview Fire District, extended a profound thank you to the over 20 mutual aid fire departments, emergency medical services, dispatchers, county personnel and law enforcement agencies who responded to this complex fire.
The district also expressed gratitude to the local citizens and businesses who stepped forward to deliver food, water and refreshments to the first responders during these grueling operations.
In a future update, Bohlmann said, a comprehensive roster acknowledging all responding agencies and community donors will be made available.
Nickie Hayes is Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal. See her most recent articles here. Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Hudson River Psychiatric Center fire contained, 4 injuries reported
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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By Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal | USA TODAY Network
