According to initial information, at around 2:00 p.m. on September 22, people discovered a large amount of smoke rising from Van Phat Pagoda (at 84/34 Chi Lang, TDP1, Hoa Lu Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province) and reported it to the authorities.

Because there were many flammable objects in the temple, the fire broke out fiercely and quickly spread to several living rooms and the main hall area.

Fire at Van Phat Pagoda 1.jpg
Dozens of officers and soldiers participated in controlling the fire. Photo: VN

Upon receiving the information, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Force of Gia Lai Province, along with Police 113, Pleiku City Police, and Hoa Lu Ward Police, dispatched 5 fire trucks and dozens of officers and soldiers to the scene. The leaders of Hoa Lu Ward People's Committee also directed the militia to coordinate and assist in extinguishing the fire.

However, because the temple was closed, authorities had to break down the door to access the fire. At 3:30 p.m. the same day, black smoke was still billowing from the temple despite heavy rain in the area.

Initial determination of the fire caused no human casualties, however many items in the temple were burned.

The fire was brought under control by late afternoon. Local authorities and law enforcement are currently working with the temple to assess the damage and investigate the cause of the incident.