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The fire started around 1:09 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Dutchess County at 10 Market Street, said Village of Wappingers Falls Police Lt. P. Capparelli.
The first officers on the scene, Sgt. Ludwig and Officer Farrell found an active fire at the scene when the responded to call reporting smoke, Capparelli said.
Both immediately began to evacuate all persons inside the buildings to a safe location.
The building includes 10 apartments and four businesses, including Mario's Sandwich Company and TJ's Barbershop, among others.
Wappingers fire department along with New Hamburg, Hughsonville and New Hackensack, Fishkill, East Fishkill, City of Poughkeepsie and Arlington fire departments responded.
New York State Police and Town of Poughkeepsie Police assisted with traffic control on Route 9D.
The Dutchess County Fire Investigation team also responded to the scene and ultimately took command as all fire departments were attempting to put the fire out, Capparelli said.
Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander said he was overwhelmed by the number of residents, business leaders, local government leaders, organizations and clubs that had stepped forward to help those in need.
"As I woke up this morning, I was thankful for the presence of so many who come together in our community to watch out for others," Alexander said on Facebook. "Thankful for our first responders - Village firefighters, police, fire inspector, EMS, Red Cross who do their jobs whether volunteer or paid with the utmost respect and care for those who are in danger."
Village of Wappingers Supervisor Dick Thurston has set up a GoFundMe page to help money for those who lost everything.
"The repercussions will long be felt," said Thurston on GoFundMe. "Let’s help our fellow residents and businesses take a step toward recovery."
Frank Camey, the owner of Mario's Sandwich Company which had only been open for three months said on Facebook that he would return.
"Our business was affected by the blaze today. We will rebuild and we will be back," Camey wrote.
Early Wednesday, firefighters still remained on the scene monitoring hot spots, as did village officials.
Donations, preferably gift cards or monetary donations, can be dropped off at City Hall.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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