Massive fire destroys University of South Florida laboratory building: 'Total loss'

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A massive fire broke out Saturday afternoon at a laboratory building on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, authorities said.Campus police said fire crews were called to the Marine Science Laboratory building for a structure fire.No injuries have been reported, and the building was safely evacuated, police said.The cause of the fire is under investigation.LIGHTNING STRIKE TURNS 100-FOOT DINOSAUR INTO RAGING FIREBALL, STUNNING ONLOOKERS Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 2, 2026. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)Large plumes of gray smoke were seen rising from the building late Saturday.According to the Tampa Bay Times, students and staff were alerted to the fire shortly before 6 p.m. First responders work to extinguish a fire at the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 2, 2026. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)The school sent an alert reading: "Urgent Alert. Fire reported in MSL, Marine Science Lab. Evacuate building. Avoid area. Emergency personnel responding."TWO INJURED AFTER EXPLOSION RIPS THROUGH CHEMICAL PLANT, SPARKING HAZMAT RESPONSE, SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDERSt. Petersburg Fire Chief Michael Lewis said more than