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Temple and boutique face long recovery after fire in Victoria’s Chinatown
Investigators are still determining the cause, and officials say the temple could remain closed for 6 to 12 months.
- On Monday, a fire broke out at the Tam Kung Temple in Victoria, a national historic site originating in the 1860s, causing extensive damage to Canada's oldest Chinese temple and flooding the longtime boutique Smoking Lily below.
- The boutique Smoking Lily, approaching its 30th year in Victoria, faced severe flooding throughout all three levels of the building as water cascaded down during firefighting efforts above.
- Yen Wo Society president Nora Butz said the temple is "completely burnt," with priceless artifacts and tapestries destroyed, yet the wooden Tam Kung statue miraculously survived with only ash, having endured two previous fires in 1911 and the 1980s.
- The temple is expected to close for six to 12 months, and Butz noted the Society holds building insurance but not contents coverage, while Owner Aimee Halfyard said Smoking Lily navigates an uncertain future.
- Investigators are working to determine the fire's source, with a report expected in 30 days, as Halfyard focuses on problem-solving and moves merchandise to her studio to prevent smoke contamination.
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Temple and boutique face long recovery after fire in Victoria’s Chinatown
A fire that scorched a long-standing Chinatown building on Monday (June 15) has left Canada’s oldest Chinese temple heavily damaged and a longtime Victoria business navigating an uncertain future. Just before 3 p.m., a fire broke out at the Tam Kung Temple, a national historic site originating as a shrine in the 1860s. Yen Wo Society president Nora Butz said members are still not permitted inside. Investigators are working to determine the sourc…
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Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
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