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. Thick clouds of smoke were visible rising high above the area as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Officials confirmed the fire escalated to a second alarm, signaling the seriousness of the situation, with multiple units deployed and collapse zones established around the building as a precaution. 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. Bright orange flames could be seen emanating from the roof of what is believed to be the science building, and the smoke could be seen from some distance away. This is a breaking news story with updates to follow.
