Photo: Screenshot from social media platform

The investigation team for the fire incident at Wenchang pavilion in Fenghuang township, Zhangjiagang city, East China's Jiangsu Province, on Thursday released a statement indicating that preliminary investigations suggest the fire on Wednesday was triggered by a visitor's improper use of incense and candles. The fire-damaged pavilion was built in October 2009 and housed no cultural relics, the statement said.

The statement clarified that all buildings within the Yongqing Temple complex are modern constructions with no ancient structural remnants, and the temple is not related to the "four hundred and eighty temples of the Southern Dynasties (420-589)."

Based on the investigation findings, those responsible will be held accountable in accordance with laws and regulations, said the statement, adding that comprehensive measures will also be taken to eliminate all types of risks and hazards.

The government of Fenghuang township in Zhangjiagang city, East China's Jiangsu Province, released a statement on Wednesday evening stating that at 11:24 am that day, a fire broke out in a traditional-style architecture on Fenghuang mountain. Fire rescue authorities organized fire-fighting efforts promptly, and the open flames have now been extinguished with no casualties reported, the government said on its official WeChat account.

The statement also said that the fire did not affect the surrounding forested areas, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Videos posted by netizens showed that a multi-story pavilion building inside Yongqing Temple on Fenghuang mountain was engulfed in fierce flames from top to bottom, China Youth Daily reported on its official WeChat account earlier on Wednesday.


Global Times