Garden Grove Buddhist Temple Destroyed By Fire On Lunar New Year

GARDEN GROVE, CA — A Buddhist temple in Garden Grove erupted overnight in Garden Grove, causing nearly a half-million dollars in damage, officials said. Firefighters responded to the blaze at the 12200 block of Magnolia Street at almost midnight, Tuesday. There, they found the second story of the temple fully aflame, Capt. Than Nguyen of the Garden Grove Fire Department said.

Two adult women escaped before the fire department's arrival thanks to a working smoke alarm, and alerts from a neighbor, according to Nguyen. The fire was under control within about 30 minutes, and no one was injured.

The Vietnamese community had gathered earlier in the evening at Temple Chua Vinh Minh to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the temple, according to a report from OC Hawk. Strings of lanterns, a Lunar New Year banner, and candles burning surrounded the structure, according to the above video released by OC Hawk.

According to Nguyen, the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, due to a burning candle in an altar adjacent to the structure.

The building itself was converted from a home into a temple. The Lunar New Year is the "most important holiday of the Vietnamese people," according to a banner displayed there. "The New Year means new hope," it said. "If people do good things with utmost sincerity it will welcome good luck for the entire family."

It is not yet known how the community will come together to rebuild the beloved building.

Photos, Youtube, OC Hawk