A fire at the old Hudson River Psychiatric Center was intentionally set, according to the Fairview Fire Chief.
The fire broke out around 6 a.m. at the building in Poughkeepsie, which is abandoned. Fire officials say one firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and was treated and released at the hospital.
He also said it's a case of arson.
"When we arrive at a fire like this, a structure that's been abandoned for years, we do our best to do a 360 around the building to see if a vagrant made his way into the building," said Fairview Fire District Capt. William Marshall. "If no one has made their way into the building, we try not to put our lives in danger unless we know there's an absolute danger of life with someone else in the building."
The owner of the property is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of who started the fire. Anyone with information should call the Town of Poughkeepsie police.