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A fire broke out on Tuesday (August 5) in the living quarters of the Poughkeepsie Fire Department's Hooker Avenue firehouse, a historic building that has been part of the community since 1926. The blaze, which started just after 7 p.m., caused significant damage to the kitchen, dining room, and living room areas. The firehouse is home to Engine 3 and the department’s Rescue rig, staffed around the clock by two firefighters and a lieutenant.
At the time of the fire, many firefighters were assisting police at a National Night Out event at City Hall. Crews from all three stations had also been dispatched to an unfounded fire alarm at the Luckey Platt apartment building. Upon receiving reports of smoke at Station 3, firefighters rushed back to their own building. Firefighters from the Arlington and Fairview Fire Departments joined the effort, while the Roosevelt Fire Department provided coverage at the Main Street Station.
Fire Chief Joe Franco stated that the cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported. The department is working with Mayor Flowers and City Administrator Joe Donat to find a temporary solution to house the on-duty crew, ensuring the firehouse remains operational. Deputy Chief Vincent Parise is collaborating with the mayor's office to develop a temporary plan of action.