Smoke Seen for Miles, Dutchess County Issues Health Warning Following Landmark Blaze

Fire Rips Through National Historic Landmark in Poughkeepsie

On the afternoon of June 3rd, 2026, it was reported that a fire broke out at the abandoned Hudson River Psychiatric Hospital in Poughkeepsie.

The building has been abandoned since 2012, even though most of the campus had been closed since 2003. The Hudson River Psychiatric Hospital was built in the mid-1800s.

Local officials warned that due to the old timber used to build it, it was likely that the fire would burn through it rather quickly.

Sadly, it turned out those assumptions were correct. The Town of Poughkeepsie Town Hall announced that despite first responders best efforts a piece of history is gone.

They write:

we have lost the historic Admin Building designed by Thomas S Kirkbride—a National Historic Landmark.

 

Several other buildings on the campus were affected by the fire. Officials are currently investigated what lead to the intense inferno.

Dutchess County Warns of Lingering Smoke Following Psychiatric Center Blaze

Firefighters from 2 counties battled the blaze at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center for hours on June 3rd, 2026.

Law enforcement suggests avoiding the area of Winslow Gate in Poughkeepsie as they investigate the cause of the fire.

Additionally, Dutchess County Government is warning the local community about linger smoke concerns.

In a statement posted around 11pm on June 3rd, Dutchess County Government writes:

Smoke from the massive fires at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center in the Town of Poughkeepsie is a concern for those with respiratory conditions or other medical conditions.

For those concerned, they recommend heading to New York State Department of Health website where you can learn all about smoke exposure, and what to do before and after a fire.

Learn more at Health.NY.GOV.

Photos From Hudson River Psychiatric Center Fire

As the fire began to burn, photos came in from all across the Hudson Valley.

Smoke could be seen as early as 12 pm on June 3rd, and as far as Ulster County.

Take a look a photos from the massive blaze a the historic Hudson River Psychiatric Center in Poughkeepsie below: