research and cultural activities, as well as to provide its workers with meals and basic food supplies. 2010 fire On May 15, 2010, a fire almost burned down the laboratory and destroyed the Institute's entire collection of snake specimens (approximately 85,000 specimens preserved with formaldehyde and stored in 70% ethanol) and ca. 450,000–500,000 specimens of scorpions and spiders (also stored in ethanol). It was one of the largest collections of snakes in the world. Over 90 years of research were lost. The fire started at and was brought under control by a crew of 50 firemen an hour and a half later. News reports have claimed that the facility was not prepared for a fire, not having a fire alarm or sprinkler system. Police are investigating the fire which has been described by curator Francisco Luís Franco as "a loss for humanity". None of the live animals or people at the institute was harmed by the fire. See also Science and Technology in Brazil National Museum of Brazil fire Notes References Bibliography News articles Wire reports Online resources External links Butantan Institute Home Page (in Portuguese and English) How to capture and donate animals to the Institute (in English) Research institutes in Brazil Medical museums in Brazil Museums in São Paulo Biological research institutes Tourist attractions in São Paulo Natural history museums in Brazil Nature centers Research institutes established in 1901 1901 establishments in Brazil