A fast-moving fire tore through a building on the campus of the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg on Saturday afternoon, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and triggering a major emergency response.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue crews rushed to the scene at 140 7th Avenue South, where flames could be seen shooting from the roof of a two-story structure.
The St. Pete Fire Department said the building was the USF Marine Science Lab which is more than 80 years old.
One student at the university said the building was home to dozens of hazardous chemicals.
‘All of our research and chemicals are stored there, including whats required in the chemistry classes,’ a student posted online.
Thick clouds of smoke were visible from miles around as they rose high above the area as firefighters from around 60 fire engines worked to contain the blaze.
Officials confirmed the fire escalated to a second alarm, signaling the seriousness of the situation, with streets around the building sealed off as a precaution in case of a collapse.
Thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising above a commercial building near the University of South Florida St. Petersburg as a two-alarm fire prompted a major emergency response
Bright orange flames could be seen emanating from the roof of what’s believed to be the science building
The fire broke out close to the marine with flames visible behind the boats
Authorities say the structure, described as a non-residential commercial property, was evacuated quickly, and so far no injuries have been reported.
Emergency crews are still on site battling the flames, with the extent of the damage still unclear. Police described it as a hazmat situation.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
The smoke could be seen from some distance away
The building can be seen in the center of this photo in a file photo of the University of South Florida’s campus in St. Petersburg
This is a breaking news story with updates to follow.
