Lightning may have sparked fire destroying top US marine science lab, officials say
A massive fire destroyed the University of South Florida's Marine Science Laboratory on Saturday, prompting an investigation into its cause. Officials are considering lightning as a possible ignition source, given storms in the area at the time. Over 200 firefighters responded, and university leadership has pledged to rebuild the facility.
- ▪The fire completely destroyed the University of South Florida's Marine Science Laboratory.
- ▪More than 60 fire units and about 200 firefighters responded to the blaze.
- ▪USF President Moez Limayem stated that lightning storms in the area are being investigated as a potential cause.
- ▪St Pete Fire and Rescue reported lightning activity around the time the fire began.
- ▪Limayem pledged to rebuild the laboratory with improved facilities for students and staff.
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Fire personnel work to extinguish a two-alarm fire at the University of South Florida campus on 2 May in St Petersburg, Florida. Photograph: Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenFire personnel work to extinguish a two-alarm fire at the University of South Florida campus on 2 May in St Petersburg, Florida. Photograph: Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockFloridaLightning may have sparked fire destroying top US marine science lab, officials sayAbout 200 firefighters responded to devastating blaze at University of South Florida’s lab on SaturdayGuardian staffSun 3 May 2026 12.31 EDTLast modified on Sun 3 May 2026 12.33 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOfficials are investigating whether a huge fire that destroyed a top…
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