A massive fire broke out at the University of South Florida\u2019s Marine Science Lab, forcing an evacuation and triggering a Hazmat alert. Thick smoke filled the skyline as crews responded, and the cause is still under investigation<\/p>\n
A massive fire broke out at the University of South Florida\u2019s St Petersburg campus on Saturday evening, leading to a large-scale emergency response and forcing the evacuation of a key research facility.<\/p>\n
The blaze began just before 6 pm at the Marine Science Laboratory. The university then sent out an urgent alert asking students and staff to evacuate immediately and stay away from the downtown waterfront area.<\/p>\n
Within a short time, thick black smoke was seen billowing across the Tampa Bay skyline, visible from kilometres away. Fire crews quickly escalated the situation to a two-alarm fire, deploying more than 50 emergency vehicles to the scene.<\/p>\n
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD<\/p>\n
WATCH: Fire and heavy smoke seen at Marine Science Labs building at University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. pic.twitter.com\/Phq1E6eHj4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Resist Wire (@ResistWire) May 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Officials confirmed the building was cleared safely, with no injuries reported among students, faculty, or first responders.<\/p>\n However, given the nature of the facility, authorities declared a Hazmat situation as a precaution since the lab houses chemicals and sensitive research materials.<\/p>\n Interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at USF St. Petersburg Frank Biafora told the Tampa Bay Times that an electrical storm could have been the cause of the inferno.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have faculty members who have research labs there. This looks like total devastation, We\u2019ve all been checking in on each other,\u201d Biafora said.<\/p>\n According to Biafora, the situation could have turned far more serious.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n As of late Saturday night, the facility remains closed while firefighters continue to tackle remaining hotspots. An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway.<\/p>\n STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD<\/p>\n University officials have urged students to keep checking their emails for updates on classes and access to nearby campus buildings.<\/p>\n First Published: Home<\/a>World<\/a>Massive fire engulfs science lab at University of South Florida\u2019s St Petersburg campus, rescue ops underwayEnd of Article
\nMay 03, 2026, 06:11 IST<\/p>\n