A heritage-listed Chinese language temple constructed greater than 150 years in the past has been broken by a hearth that ripped by means of the South Melbourne constructing on Saturday evening.
A fireplace that began on the bottom ground of the See Yup Temple unfold to the primary ground, badly damaging the historic constructing’s inside.
South Melbourne’s See Yup Temple, pictured in 2008, was broken in a hearth.Credit score: Wayne Taylor
Firefighters attended the Raglan Avenue constructing at about 9pm, after receiving a number of stories of a fireplace from members of the general public.
Smoke was billowing from the second ground and roof by the point they arrived, Fireplace Rescue Victoria stated.
“Firefighters donned respiratory equipment, gained entry and found a major fireplace spreading to the primary ground prompting an escalated response,” a spokesperson stated.
Emergency companies issued a warning to the general public to keep away from the world and surrounding streets have been closed to motorists. Trams have been disrupted on close by Clarendon Avenue whereas firefighters used aerial fireplace vans to extinguish the blaze.
Memorial tablets pictured contained in the temple in 2007.Credit score: Maurice Leong
A spokeswoman for Victoria Police stated the reason for the fireplace was not but clear, and officers are investigating whether or not the blaze was suspiciously lit. Arson chemists can be on scene on Sunday morning.
The blaze occurred as Chinese language communities proceed their Lunar New 12 months festivities, which started final Saturday and is widely known for 15 days.