USF Fire

Florida lawmakers want to earmark recovery funds in the state's budget this week, as a local event hopes to also raise some money.

“I think almost everybody that was doing research and using that facility will be impacted one way or another,” said Dean Tom Frazer. “We're still concerned that samples may have been lost that may be irreplaceable."

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. USF officials said initial information indicates the building "may be a total loss."

Investigators are looking into the possibility that a lit cigarette caused a fire on campus Tuesday afternoon near the Byrd Alzheimer's Institute. Campus…