St. Petersburg, FL – A large fire at a university facility in Florida caused extensive damage and prompted a significant emergency response over the weekend.
Officials confirmed the blaze occurred at the University of South Florida St Petersburg campus, where the Marine Science Laboratory building was heavily damaged and later deemed a total loss.
Fire crews were called to the scene after reports of flames and thick smoke coming from the structure.
Authorities said the building was evacuated as crews worked to contain the fire.
No injuries were reported.
Multiple agencies responded, deploying dozens of units to manage the situation and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Firefighters remained on site for several hours addressing hot spots and ensuring the area was secure.
Officials noted that the building housed specialized research equipment and materials, which contributed to the intensity of the fire and required additional precautions during the response.
The Marine Science Laboratory played a role in research related to marine environments and coastal studies.
The extent of the damage includes the loss of equipment and interior infrastructure used for scientific work.
Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire.
Authorities are reviewing possible factors and will continue examining the scene as part of the investigation.