A two-alarm fire at the USF Marine Science Laboratory on May 2, 2026, has left the building likely a total loss. More than 60 units and 200 firefighters responded to the incident.
The fire was reported at 5:39 p.m. by a civilian who saw smoke and flames. Firefighters quickly arrived on scene and worked to contain the blaze, which was confined to the laboratory. No injuries were reported, and all employees were accounted for.
Michael Lewis from Pinellas County Safety and Emergency Services stated, “Basically, the entire attic was involved.” Fire crews are still putting out hot spots as they monitor air quality and assess hazardous materials on site.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials have not disclosed any details about how it started. The laboratory housed advanced chemistry, biology, and oceanography labs, making it integral to marine science research on the USF campus.
This building dates back to around 1940 and was previously used as a dormitory before becoming part of the USF Marine Science research campus during expansions in the 1990s and 2000s. The building is likely a total loss, but officials have not yet provided an estimate of damages.
Students like Lydia Shaw expressed concern about their upcoming classes. “I’m personally terrified because I have classes in that building in the fall,” she said.
