A devastating blaze engulfed a critical science facility at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg on Saturday, sending thick plumes of smoke skyward and raising concerns over the potential loss of invaluable research accumulated over decades.
Firefighters from St. Petersburg Fire Rescue descended on the scene at 140 7th Avenue South after flames erupted from the roof of the historic two-story building, known as the Marine Science Laboratory, which has stood for over 80 years.
The incident quickly escalated to a second-alarm fire, prompting the deployment of numerous fire units. Authorities cordoned off surrounding streets and set up collapse zones due to fears that the structure might succumb to the inferno.
Students and faculty looked on in shock as the fire ravaged what many considered the cornerstone of the university’s scientific research endeavors.
“All of our research and chemicals are stored there, including essential materials for chemistry classes,” one student shared online, expressing concern over the hazardous substances housed in the facility.
Another student cautioned about the lasting impact of the incident, stating, “The building on fire doesn’t just store paper. It holds entire careers’ worth of samples… hurricane research, red tide research, fish and ecology studies,” referring to collections amassed through years of fieldwork that “cannot be replaced.”
The scale of the destruction was visible for miles around as thick, dark smoke billowed high above the campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
Witnesses on the ground described a scene of shock and devastation. Faculty member Frank Biafora told the Tampa Bay Times: ‘We have faculty members who have research labs there. This looks like total devastation… We’ve all been checking in on each other.’
Thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising above a commercial building near the University of South Florida St. Petersburg as a two-alarm fire prompted a major emergency response
Bright orange flames could be seen emanating from the roof of what’s believed to be the science building
The fire broke out close to the marine with flames visible behind the boats
He added that shifting winds may have prevented an even more dangerous situation.
‘We are actually quite lucky that the wind is taking this to the east of us because we have residence halls and a whole lot of students on this campus. If it was coming west, it could be really dangerous right now.’
USF sailing coach Alison Jolly also watched anxiously as flames crept toward nearby boats, fearing the worst. ‘This looks like a total, total loss… it’s one thing to have equipment ruined, but to have years of research go up in flames is so sad,’ she to the Tampa Bay Times. ‘We’ve all been checking in on each other.’
Authorities confirmed the building was evacuated and no injuries have been reported.
However, officials described the incident as a potential hazmat situation due to the dozens of chemicals that stored inside the science labs.
Officials confirmed the fire escalated to a second alarm, signaling the seriousness of the situation, with streets around the building sealed off as a precaution in case of a collapse.
Authorities say the structure, described as a non-residential commercial property, was evacuated quickly.
The building was still spewing flames several hours after flames broke out
Onlookers could only watch as fire fighters worked to extinguish a the blaze at the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg. Florida
Firefighters can be seen tackling the blaze from ladders positioned above the building
Thick smoke filled the air as the fire continued to burn destroying the science lab
Firefighters appeared to be battling the flames from all angles as the worked to get it under control
The smoke could be seen from some distance away
Smoke could be seen swirling around the marina as the blaze continued to burn for several hours
The building can be seen in the center of this photo in a file photo of the University of South Florida’s campus in St. Petersburg
Emergency crews are still on site battling the flames, with the extent of the damage still unclear.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
This is a breaking news story with updates to follow.
