A major fire broke out at the University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg campus yesterday evening, Saturday, May 2, 2026, primarily affecting the Marine Science Laboratory (MSL) building.
While the situation initially raised significant hazmat concerns due to the nature of the facility, university officials confirmed this morning that there is no ongoing public safety threat and no hazardous materials were released into the environment.
Key Details of the Incident:
- The Fire: The blaze was reported around 5:40 PM during a severe lightning storm. More than 60 units and 200 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire.
- Damage: USF President Moez Limayem stated that the building, a historic structure used for advanced oceanography and chemistry research, is likely a “total loss.” The entire roof was destroyed.
- Hazmat Response: Hazardous materials units were on-scene to secure compressed gas cylinders and monitor chemical inventories. While the hazmat teams were deployed for safety and cleanup, authorities have cleared the area of toxic leak concerns.
- Injuries: Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the building was successfully evacuated.
Current Status (as of May 3, 2026):
- Campus Operations: Most of the St. Petersburg campus has resumed normal operations, including classes and business.
- Closures: The MSL building and other facilities on Peninsula Drive (including the Knight Oceanographic Research Center) remain closed.
- Research Impact: Faculty and students are currently assessing the loss of irreplaceable research materials, including sediment samples and specimens stored in deep-freeze units that may have lost power or been damaged by heat.
The cause of the fire is officially under investigation, though investigators are strongly considering a lightning strike as the ignition source.
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