Fire Destroys Laboratory Building at University of South Florida Campus, Impacting Research and Classes
A significant fire broke out at the University of South Florida's St. Petersburg campus, severely damaging a laboratory building. The incident occurred on Saturday night, May 2, 2026, and was addressed by firefighters who worked through the night to extinguish the blaze. The fire resulted in the evacuation of the area and produced large plumes of smoke. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no hazardous materials were released during the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. University President Moez Limayem communicated to students and staff that the damage was extensive, and recovery teams are collaborating with the College of Marine Science to assess and prioritize the salvage of key research materials and equipment. Classes and exams that were scheduled to take place in the affected building will be relocated.