Massive Blaze Destroys USF Marine Science Lab in St. Petersburg, Cause Under Probe

St. Petersburg– A massive fire tore through a key research facility at the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, leaving the Marine Science Laboratory severely damaged and triggering a large-scale emergency response.

The blaze broke out on Saturday evening, prompting immediate evacuation of the building. Authorities confirmed that all students and staff were safely moved out, and no injuries have been reported so far.

According to campus police, emergency alerts were issued shortly before 6 pm, warning people to vacate the area as thick plumes of smoke engulfed the structure. Fire crews rushed to the scene and worked for hours to bring the situation under control.

Officials said more than 60 fire units and nearly 200 personnel were deployed to tackle the flames. Despite their efforts, significant portions of the building—including the roof—were destroyed, raising concerns that the facility may be a complete structural loss.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Preliminary assessments suggest that adverse weather, possibly an electrical storm, could have played a role, though authorities have not confirmed this.

The laboratory, which has been part of the campus for decades, housed important academic and research work. Faculty members expressed concern over the potential loss of valuable scientific data and years of research.

University officials described the incident as devastating but acknowledged that the timely evacuation helped prevent a far worse outcome. Further updates are expected as investigators continue to examine the site.