Irresponsible tourist blamed for massive temple fire in China due to 'improper use of incense & candles'

A pavilion at a temple complex in Jiangsu province was destroyed in a fire on Nov. 12, with preliminary investigations suggesting the blaze was caused by a tourist’s improper use of incense and candles, reported Metro.

Videos shared on Chinese social media showed the three-storey wooden Wenchang Pavilion on Fenghuang Mountain in Zhangjiagang city engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising dramatically into the sky as sections of the collapsing roof tumbled to the ground.

Irresponsible tourist

Investigators said the blaze was “caused by a visitor's improper use of incense and candles”, linking the fire explicitly to tourist negligence.

There were no casualties and the fire did not spread to nearby forested areas.

Local authorities stated that legal action will be taken against those responsible once the investigation is concluded, and additional safety measures will be implemented to mitigate similar risks in future, according to the New York Post.

Restoration work

The pavilion falls under the management of the neighbouring Yongqing Temple, an institution with recorded origins dating back many centuries.

Although the original temple buildings were demolished in 1958 and the current structures date only to the 1990s, the site remains a popular religious and tourist destination.

Restoration work in the traditional architectural style of the site is expected to begin once structural assessments and the official investigation are complete.

Authorities have said updates on the rebuilding process will be provided in the coming weeks.

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