A TOURIST has been blamed for sparking a fire that burnt down a sacred Chinese temple, after incorrectly using candles and incense.
Dramatic footage shows the moments the blaze engulfed the temple at the Wenchang Pavilion located on the Fenghuang Mountain, where thick smoke billowed from the three-storey building.
The tragic moment a huge blaze engulfed the temple at the Wenchang PavilionCredit: Refer to source
Officials say the fire was caused by a clumsy touristCredit: Refer to source
The temple before going up in flamesCredit: Shutterstock
Large chunks of wood from the building’s roof crashed to the ground as the temple succumbed to the inferno.
A preliminary investigation found the November 12 blaze was caused by a visitor’s improper use of incense and candles.
Officials reported there had been no deaths following the blaze, and that due to the fire being quickly contained, it had not spread to the surrounding forest area.
They also said the temple – which had been built in 2009 – did not contain any ancient architectural relics.
The Wengchang Pavilion, in the Jiangsu province, had been managed by the caretakers of the neighbouring Yongqing Temple, after it was completed.
The Yongqing Temple dates back 1500 years, however was reconstructed in the 1990s.
An investigation remains ongoing and local authorities said action would be taken in line with its results.
They added that safety measures would be strengthened to reduce fire risks in the future.
Once the investigation and follow up assessments are complete, restoration on the temple will begin.
Officials say they intend to rebuild the damaged pavilion, ensuring the traditional architectural style of the site is preserved.
Visitors will receive updates as plans progress over the coming weeks.
The blaze comes after a centuries old temple was also almost burned to the ground in 2023.
The Shandan Great Buddha Temple in Gansu province’s Shandan County was all but left in ashes, save for a giant Buddha statue that was left partially intact.
The cause of the fire was never discovered.
Officials say they will completely restore the burnt temple at Wenchang PavilionCredit: Refer to source
The investigation remains ongoingCredit: Refer to source
Local media reported the temple at the foot of Liaogao Mountain was built in 1998, as a replica of the original, which dated back to around 425 AD.
The original Buddha had sadly been damaged during the Cultural Revolution.
The temple was a seven-storey wooden building and is home to China’s largest indoor clay Buddha statue, which measures 35 meters tall, and sits on a three-meter-tall lotus pedestal.
Gansu Province is world-renowned for its Buddhist cultural relics and natural scenery, including the Danxia landform.
