A frightening scene unfolded on a Florida college campus after a massive fire tore through a laboratory building, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky.
The blaze broke out Saturday afternoon at the Marine Science Laboratory on the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus, prompting a huge emergency response.
Campus police quickly issued an urgent alert, warning students and staff to evacuate the building and stay clear of the area as firefighters rushed in.
Within minutes, more than 60 units and around 200 firefighters were on scene, battling the fast-moving flames.
Despite the intensity of the fire, officials say everyone inside was safely evacuated and no injuries have been reported — a huge relief given the scale of the incident.
Still, the damage appears to be severe.
Fire officials said much of the building was destroyed, with the roof completely burned off. By around 9 p.m., crews had largely brought the fire under control, but the structure is now expected to be a total loss.
Photos and videos from the scene show massive plumes of gray smoke rising high above the campus as emergency crews worked for hours to contain the flames.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The university has confirmed the lab building will remain closed until further notice as officials assess the damage and begin cleanup.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott reacted to the news, calling the situation “awful” and thanking first responders for their efforts.