Fire devastates Pratt Institute's historic main building, destroying student thesis work

A fire erupted in the early morning hours of February 15, 3013, at Pratt Institute's historic main building in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The blaze consumed the roof and sixth-floor student studios, leading to severe smoke and water damage throughout the structure. Senior-year undergraduate fine art students suffered the most, with their thesis show work completely lost. No injuries were reported beyond minor ones to firefighters. Pratt Institute President Thomas F. Schutte informed the community that the cause remains undetermined, contradicting press speculation. However, The Daily News cited fire marshals labeling the fire as suspicious due to its intensity and the building's typical vacancy after 9 p.m. Investigations are ongoing.