This is Arson Awareness Week, and Dutchess County officials say it's especially important on the heels of a recent Town of Poughkeepsie fire.

This year’s theme is focusing on reducing arson at vacant and abandoned buildings, like the fire last month at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center. Since abandoned buildings usually get wear and tear from the weather or aren't as up-to-date on safety maintenance, it can be an extra hazard for firefighters. And if people are living inside the abandoned building, arson in these buildings can put people in danger.

The sheriff's office is asking property owners to take some precautions for their vacant buildings.

"This would include properly securing the buildings. What we'd like to see is that access is limited so that it doesn't become an attractive nuisance," said Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Lt. Shawn Castano.

Poughkeepsie Town Police say arson can be punished by up to a life sentence in prison.