Massive fire destroys University of South Florida laboratory building: 'Total loss'
The building was safely evacuated with no injuries reported; the cause of the fire is under investigation
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A massive fire broke out Saturday afternoon at a laboratory building on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, authorities said.
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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 2, 2026. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Large plumes of gray smoke were seen rising from the building late Saturday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}According to the Tampa Bay Times, students and staff were alerted to the fire shortly before 6 p.m.
First responders work to extinguish a fire at the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 2, 2026. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
The school sent an alert reading: "Urgent Alert. Fire reported in MSL, Marine Science Lab. Evacuate building. Avoid area. Emergency personnel responding."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}St. Petersburg Fire Chief Michael Lewis said more than 60 units and about 200 firefighters responded to the scene.
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 2, 2026, as onlookers watch. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
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, according to the report.
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Firefighters battle a fire on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 2, 2026. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
USF police said it will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.