ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — University of South Florida President Moez Limayem said on Sunday the Marine Science Laboratory on the St. Pete campus may be a “total loss” after a large fire broke out Saturday evening.

“While our full assessment is ongoing, and will only be completed once it is safe to do so, initial information indicates the MSL building may be a total loss,” Limayem said in a statement. “Our recovery teams are working with the College of Marine Science to prioritize key research material and equipment for salvage assessment when the building is cleared.”

The two-alarm fire broke out at around 6:30 p.m. on May 2, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue said. Fortunately, the building was safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.

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An officer told reporters on scene that the fire was being considered a hazmat situation, but Limayem said on Sunday that no hazardous materials were released. Still, students and faculty are being asked to avoid the area and follow guidance from first responders.

SPFR District Chief Michael Lewis said the fire, while mostly extinguished by around 9 p.m., caused extensive damage to the building.

Limayem said his administration is working to relocate classes and exams that were scheduled to take place in the MSL building, as well as find alternatives for those who used the facility for research purposes.

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Other buildings on Peninsula Drive, including the Knight Oceanographic Research Center and the Plant Operations/Receiving facility, are also off-limits as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.

“Our immediate focus is taking care of our people, and then on maintaining academic and research continuity,” the university president said.

He also confirmed that no other buildings were damaged in the fire and that classes and regular campus operations will continue as normal.

The devastating fire comes as the USF community is already reeling from the shocking murders of two graduate students, Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon.

“This situation adds to what has already been a challenging time for our university community, and I know this can be a stressful week with final exams and the end of a semester,” Limayem said. “Your well-being is always our top priority. For those who need support, resources are available through the university.”

Read Limayem’s full statement here.

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