A science and research building on USF’s St. Petersburg campus is likely a total loss due to a fire.
The Marine Science Laboratory (MSL) building was engulfed in flames during a storm the evening of May 2. About 200 firefighters and more than 60 units responded. No one was injured, however, the building might be completely destroyed, according to USF President Moez Limayem.
He confirmed no hazardous materials were released, and there was no threat to the public.
“This is unfortunate as MSL has a rich history and longtime connection to St. Petersburg’s maritime community,” Limayem said in a statement. “The building has been home to important marine science education and research, and the work that has been done there has helped USF become a national leader in this field.”
What caused the fire that destroyed the MSL building at USF?
The cause of the fire is still being determined, but investigators are looking into lightning as a possibility.
“We have some footage, obviously, that shows a lightning strike on the building but there is a lot of investigation that needs to go on,” Tom Frazer, dean of USF’s College of Marine Science told Tampa Bay 10.
A message was left by USA Today Network for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Science research building at Florida college likely total loss in fire
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
