Nearly 200 firefighters from more than 60 units battled a two-alarm blaze that ravaged the Marine Science Laboratory building on the University of South Florida's St. Petersburg campus yesterday afternoon. The fire, reported at 5:39 p.m. on May 2, 2026, at 140 Seventh Ave. S., sent thick plumes of gray smoke over downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, drawing hundreds of onlookers.

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Michael Lewis said firefighters contained the flames by around 9 p.m., though crews mopped up hot spots overnight due to hazardous materials inside the structure. "The entire roof has burned off," Lewis stated at a press conference, describing the building as likely a total loss. No injuries occurred, as the building was safely evacuated following a university alert sent shortly before 6 p.m.: "Urgent Alert. Fire reported in MSL, Marine Science Lab. Evacuate the building. Avoid the area. Emergency personnel responding."

Videos captured unusual green flames erupting from the roof, likely from chemicals in the marine science labs containing advanced biology, chemistry, and oceanography equipment, marine life tanks, and compressed gases. Hazmat teams in protective gear conducted air monitoring Sunday morning, confirming no hazardous releases or public safety threats.

The structure, dating to the 1940s and originally a dormitory for U.S. Merchant Marines before joining USF's research campus in the 1990s, housed faculty labs with years of irreplaceable research. A severe lightning storm passed through the area around the fire's start time, prompting investigators to consider it a possible cause, though the official determination remains pending.

USF President Moez Limayem addressed the community Sunday morning, noting the loss affects marine science education and research but affirming the university's commitment to rebuild stronger. Classes resumed today on the St. Petersburg campus except in the affected Peninsula Drive area, including the Knight Oceanographic Research Center. Recovery teams are salvaging key materials, and alternative spaces are being arranged for displaced researchers and students.

The fire also forced cancellation of Gibbs High School's prom, held at a campus ballroom, after students arrived. Cleanup and full damage assessments continue as of this afternoon, with no other campus buildings impacted.