800-year-old temple on fire: Ministry of Culture urgently requests protection of National Treasures

Following reports that Pho Quang Pagoda, over 800 years old (Xuan Lung commune, Lam Thao district, Phu Tho province), had caught fire, the Department of Cultural Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) sent a letter to the Department of Culture and Sports of Phu Tho province, requesting the local authorities to urgently inspect the site and immediately take measures to protect the National Treasure - the stone Buddha altar.

Phổ Quang Pagoda has been completely destroyed. (Photo: Department of Cultural Heritage)

According to a document signed by Deputy Director Pham Dinh Phong on October 23, the Department of Cultural Heritage requested the local authorities to assess the extent of the damage and propose solutions, while also reporting to the People's Committee of Phu Tho province and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism before 10:00 AM on October 24.

Previously, the People's Committee of Xuan Lung commune had reported on the fire at Pho Quang pagoda.

Authorities have now sealed off the scene, assessed the damage, and are investigating the cause of the fire. (Photo: Department of Cultural Heritage)

Specifically, at 9:45 AM on October 23rd, the People's Committee of Xuan Lung commune received a report that Pho Quang pagoda was on fire and immediately mobilized rescue forces. By the time commune officials and residents arrived at the scene, the fire had already spread rapidly. The People's Committee mobilized on-site forces using available resources such as fire extinguishers, hoses, buckets, and basins to extinguish the fire while waiting for the fire department to arrive.

At 10:30 AM, firefighters arrived at the scene and implemented firefighting procedures, and by 11:30 AM the fire was completely extinguished.

The lotus-shaped stone pedestal – a National Treasure – has been damaged. (Photo: Department of Cultural Heritage)

Mr. Nguyen Trong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Xuan Lung commune, said that the fire did not cause any casualties but the main temple was severely damaged. This is extremely regrettable.

Specifically, the main hall, 27 Buddha statues, and other facilities within the temple were completely destroyed. The national treasure, the lotus pedestal, had its lotus petals broken. The estimated damage is approximately 25 billion VND.

(Source: vietnamplus)

Link: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/chay-chua-pho-quang-bo-van-hoa-yeu-cau-khan-cap-bao-ve-bao-vat-quoc-gia-post987025.vnp#google_vignette

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/chay-chua-hon-800-tuoi-bo-van-hoa-yeu-cau-khan-cap-bao-ve-bao-vat-quoc-gia-ar903479.html