Florida Marine Science Lab Goes Up in Flames — What Was Inside?

Clear Facts

• A massive fire destroyed the Marine Science Laboratory building at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus on Saturday afternoon
• More than 200 firefighters from 60 units responded to the blaze, which burned off the entire roof
• No injuries were reported and the building was safely evacuated; cause remains under investigation

A massive fire broke out Saturday afternoon at a laboratory building on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, leaving the structure a complete loss, authorities confirmed.

Campus police said fire crews were called to the Marine Science Laboratory building for a structure fire. No injuries have been reported, and the building was safely evacuated, police said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Large plumes of gray smoke were seen rising from the building late Saturday. According to local reports, students and staff were alerted to the fire shortly before 6 p.m.

The school sent an alert reading:

“Urgent Alert. Fire reported in MSL, Marine Science Lab. Evacuate building. Avoid area. Emergency personnel responding.”

St. Petersburg Fire Chief Michael Lewis said more than 60 units and about 200 firefighters responded to the scene. The magnitude of the response underscores the severity of the blaze that engulfed the research facility.

Lewis said around 9 p.m. that the fire was largely extinguished but that the building is likely “a total loss.”

“The entire roof has burned off,” he said.

USF police said they will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Questions remain about what materials were housed in the laboratory and whether any research data or equipment can be salvaged.

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