Breaking: Massive Fire Destroys USF St. Petersburg Marine Science Lab | WATCH
While no injuries were reported, the fire decimated critical research facilities focused on climate change and red tide, with officials investigating lightning as a potential cause for the "likely total loss."
A fierce two-alarm blaze tore through the University of South Florida’s Marine Science Laboratory on Saturday evening, leaving the waterfront research building a likely total loss.
Fire crews were called to the lab at 140 7th Avenue South around 5:39 p.m. after reports of a structure fire. More than 60 fire units and over 200 firefighters from St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and surrounding agencies battled the flames as a thick plume of smoke billowed across Tampa Bay, visible for miles.
Flames ripped through the roof of the two-story building, which houses critical research on Tampa Bay water quality, red tides, hurricanes, and climate change. St. Petersburg Fire Chief Michael Lewis said the entire roof was burned away, with heavy water damage throughout. “It’s likely a total loss,” he told reporters.
Campus officials said the building was safely evacuated after an urgent alert was sent to students and staff. Hazmat teams responded due to the presence of laboratory chemicals.
Dramatic video and photos from the scene show towering flames and massive smoke columns rising behind campus buildings and boats in the marina.
Some witnesses reported green flames during the blaze.
By 9 p.m., firefighters had largely brought the fire under control.
The cause remains under investigation, with lightning from a recent storm being considered as a possible factor.
USF issued a statement confirming the incident and closing the facility until further notice. The university is working to assess the impact on ongoing research projects.