Massive Fire Destroys University of South Florida Marine Science Lab, Extensive Damage Reported
A massive fire engulfed the Marine Science Laboratory at the University of South Florida's St. Petersburg campus on Saturday evening. The blaze, which was reported around 6 p.m., sent a large plume of smoke visible for miles. More than 60 units and nearly 200 firefighters responded to the scene. St. Petersburg Fire Chief Michael Lewis stated that the building is likely a total loss, with the entire roof burned off. The fire prompted an evacuation, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with speculation about a possible electrical storm being a factor.