Blaze caught on camera
The fire broke out at the Wenchang Pavilion on Fenghuang Mountain. Footage circulating online shows flames racing across the structure as parts of the wooden roof fall to the ground. Clouds of black smoke can be seen rising as the entire pavilion gives way.
The blaze erupted on 12 November and a preliminary probe pointed to a visitor’s “irresponsible candle use” and mishandling of incense, The Sun reported. Officials said the tourist’s actions triggered the disaster.
No casualties, damage contained
Authorities, however, said no one was hurt in the incident. Firefighters contained the blaze before it could spread to nearby forest areas. The pavilion, commissioned in 2008 and completed in 2009, did not house any ancient architectural relics.
The Wenchang Pavilion was under the care of the neighbouring Yongqing Temple. While Yongqing Temple’s current buildings were reconstructed in the 1990s, its original site goes back around 1,500 years to the Liang Dynasty before falling into ruins.Also Read: 32-year-old Canara Bank manager pulls off a ‘perfect’ Rs 1.6 crore heist from his own branch, but his scooter spoils everything
Local authorities said additional action will follow once the investigation is completed. They also said safety checks will be tightened to prevent similar fires. After the probe, restoration work is expected to begin in the traditional architectural style of the site.
