New Update: Two-Alarm Fire Damages Pleasant Valley Library, Route 44 Remains Closed

Traffic is being diverted on Route 44 as a two-alarm fire ripped through the Pleasant Valley Free Library on Main Street.

The fire at the Plesant Valley Free LIbrary.
Photo Credit: *Bill Johnson*

Kathy Reakes

11/06/2018 10:07 a.m.

The fire, which began around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, is believed to have started in the basement, but the building quickly became engulfed in smoke, with smoke coming out of the top of the building.

The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office said they have investigators on the scene.

The Route 44 closure is between West Road and North Avenue, with traffic backed up to South Avenue at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. For a list of detours, click here.

The Library's Board said that even amid the fire, it wanted to remind residents to vote as the library's budget is on the ballot.

"Your vote today is much more critical," they wrote. "We will do all we can to save the books and the building and when the fire is out we will immediately begin rebuilding."

This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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