Overview
- The blaze began around 3 a.m. on November 12 and raced through the wooden complex before firefighters contained it after several hours.
- Investigators are considering an electrical fault, the use of votive candles, negligence, or vandalism as potential causes.
- The Wenchang pavilion collapsed in the fire, destroying inscriptions, statues, and other items linked to Wenchang Dijun.
- Authorities reported no casualties and signaled plans for a full restoration, while acknowledging that some heritage losses are irreversible.
- Conservation specialists warn that rebuilding will be difficult given the loss of original elements, as residents organize fundraising and renew calls to strengthen protection of vulnerable historic sites; some reports conflict on the temple’s exact age.