safety
Researchers try to recover scientific work after fire caused by lightning strike destroyed USF lab building
By Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News
· June 17, 2026
· 2 min read
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WSVN) — Researchers at the University of South Florida are trying to recover years of scientific work after a crack of lightning sparked a fire that destroyed a lab building on campus last month. Officials later determined a lightning strike ignited the fire that destroyed the
Key takeaway “The roof of the building was wooden, So it spread really quickly across the wooden roof of the fire,” said USF College of Marine Science professor Steven Murawski.
Why this matters in The Miami
The destruction of the USF marine science lab building has significant implications for Miami, given the city's own vulnerability to Atlantic hurricanes and sea-level rise. Researchers at USF have been studying these issues, which are crucial to understanding and mitigating the risks faced by Miami and other coastal communities in South Florida. The loss of years of scientific work and equipment is a setback not just for the university, but for the entire region. As USF researchers work to recover and rebuild, it's worth noting that their efforts will have a direct impact on Miami's ability to prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters. The fact that community members have stepped up to support the recovery efforts is a testament to the importance of this research, and Miami residents should be paying close attention to the progress being made in St. Petersburg.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 17, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WSVN) — Researchers at the University of South Florida are trying to recover years of scientific work after a crack of lightning sparked a fire that destroyed a lab building on campus last month. Officials later determined a lightning strike ignited the fire that destroyed the
When was this published? This article was first published on June 17, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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