When the firefighters reached the second-floor of the building, with the gasoline odor even more noticeable, they observed a charred trail where a fire had been burning, until the sprinkler system had extinguished it.
Fire officials said that most of the building’s occupants had evacuated the building when the alarm activated in the building. As they continued their inspection, firefighters discovered that an entry door to a specific apartment had sustained fire damage prior to their arrival.
The initial investigation indicates that an accelerant, presumably gasoline, was poured in the second-floor hallway, and intentionally ignited. The sprinkler system extinguished the fire. The City of Poughkeepsie Police were called to the scene to investigate the possible criminal act.
No injuries were reported. Officials noted that ceiling tiles on the first floor had sustained water damage from the sprinklers and fell to the floor.
Over the past several weeks, the fire department has responded to several calls at the address. On one occasion, a gas can was placed in the building and evidence indicates that an attempt to ignite it had occurred. On another date, firefighters responded to a similar call.
City of Poughkeepsie Police have responded to the building several times in recent weeks as well. On one date, they responded to a call of gunfire that resulted in bullets entering an occupied apartment. More recently, a drug raid was conducted at an apartment in the building, resulting in a seizure of guns, drugs, and cash. Arrests were made during that incident.
Sources have told Mid Hudson News that the police are investigating the Monday morning fire as a possible arson. Anyone with information is asked to call 845-451-7577.
