The Van Yen District People’s Committee, after receiving the report, directed the communal authorities of Lam Giang to deploy over 200 forces to fight the fire. The temple was built on top of a hill, far from residential areas, and the building materials were mainly wood. The fire broke out in the early morning, so when the forces arrived, the flames had already grown too large, making the firefighting difficult.
After a short period of time, the fire completely engulfed the 5-room wooden house, with a construction area of about 150 square meters, along with the facilities, utensils, and belongings inside the temple.
The initial cause of the fire is believed to be electrical short-circuits in the right prayer room, which then spread to other prayer rooms. Local authorities are currently investigating the scene to determine the exact cause of the fire.
According to the Van Yen District People’s Committee, for the time being, to ensure the safety of the people and pilgrims visiting the temple, the District People’s Committee has instructed the Management Board of the temple to transfer the incense altar to Binh Si temple (part of the Phuc Linh Temple complex, Lam Giang commune). At the same time, they have instructed the forces and residents to promptly clean up the scene and urgently establish a mobilization committee to disseminate information and mobilize resources for the restoration and renovation of the temple as soon as possible.
The Van Yen District also directed the Lam Giang Commune People’s Committee and the temple management board to soon select a consulting unit to develop a plan, architecture, scale, and investment estimate for the reconstruction of the temple, as well as a plan for arranging and decorating the altars inside the temple, and to submit it to the competent authority for consideration and decision.
The Phuc Linh Temple is the place of worship for General Ha Khac Chuong – a talented general of the Tran dynasty who had merits in fighting against the Mongol invaders to protect the country. The temple was built in 2015 with a 5-room wooden house and tiled roof, funded by contributions from local residents and visitors.
This temple has been recognized as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic. Over the years, Phuc Linh Temple has become a spiritual and cultural activity center, meeting the spiritual and cultural needs of the people inside and outside the locality.