On Saturday afternoon, the members of the Pleasant Valley Fire District were busy assisting the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department shutting down roads, ensuring a safe 10-mile bicycle ride through the town during the Pleasant Valley Weekend celebration.

During the bike ride, we were dispatched mutual aid to the Fairview Fire Department to the two-alarm fire on Fairview Avenue in Poughkeepsie, at the former Shatz Federal Factory. Crews were able to respond to the fire as well ensure safe passage for the bikers.

Due to the size and fire's intensity, a combined defensive and offensive approach was employed using tower ladders. These efforts brought much of the fire under control within 45 minutes, after which teams from various jurisdictions (nine additional departments) managed to enter the building and douse the remaining flames.

The fire is currently under investigation, with natural causes ruled out.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.