Fire Destroys Wenchang Pavilion in Jiangsu, China; Tourist Candle Use Blamed
Jiangsu, China: A fire at the Wenchang Pavilion on Fenghuang Mountain in Jiangsu province, China, was reportedly caused by a tourist’s careless use of candles and incense sticks, local authorities said. While the pavilion was part of a site linked to a 1,500-year-old temple complex, the burned structure itself was a modern reconstruction completed in 2009.
Cause and Damage
Preliminary investigations revealed that the blaze was triggered by a visitor’s “irresponsible candle use” and mishandling of incense. The three-story wooden pavilion quickly caught fire and collapsed within minutes, leaving little of the structure intact.
Firefighters arrived promptly and managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to the surrounding forest. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.
Historical Context
The pavilion was managed by Yongqing Temple, which dates back to the Liang Dynasty (around 536 AD). Although the pavilion was a modern reconstruction, authorities confirmed that no original ancient relics or artifacts were housed in the structure. The surrounding temple complex, with buildings reconstructed in the 1990s, remains undamaged.
Future Plans and Safety Measures
The incident has raised concerns about tourist behavior and fire safety at heritage sites. Authorities plan to enhance safety protocols, including stricter rules for candle and incense use, and begin restoration work in the pavilion’s traditional architectural style once the investigation is complete.
Local officials stressed the importance of visitor responsibility in preserving cultural heritage, highlighting that even reconstructed sites are vulnerable to accidents.
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