A fire erupted Saturday afternoon at the Marine Science Laboratory building on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, according to campus police. Firefighters responded to the scene after reports of a structure fire shortly before 6 p.m.
Authorities said no injuries were reported, and the building was evacuated safely. Large plumes of gray smoke rose from the structure as emergency crews worked to contain the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, police said.
St. Petersburg Fire Chief Michael Lewis said more than 60 units and approximately 200 firefighters responded to the incident. By around 9 p.m., Lewis reported that the fire was largely extinguished but that the building was likely a total loss. He added that the entire roof had burned off.
USF police stated they would provide further updates as information becomes available. The incident prompted an emergency alert to students and staff, warning them to evacuate and avoid the area, according to the university.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
