Introduction
At around 1 AM on February 10, 2025, a large fire broke out at the national heritage site of Lang Ve Pagoda in Tho Xuan Ward, Bac Giang City, Bac Giang Province. The fire originated from the Tam Bo House, damaging the entire roof and many wooden Buddha statues. Upon receiving the alert, firefighting forces quickly arrived and contained the blaze within 30 minutes, fortunately with no casualties. However, this incident has caused widespread concern in the community and among cultural heritage management authorities. To address the situation, the Department of Cultural Heritage sent a dispatch notice to the Bac Giang Provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (VH-TT&DL), requesting a report on the cause, extent of damage, and remediation plan.
Ministry of Culture Requests Bac Giang to Report on Lang Ve Pagoda Fire – 1*Ministry of Culture Requests Bac Giang to Report on Lang Ve Pagoda Fire – 1*Scene of the Lang Ve Pagoda Fire (Photo: B.G)
Main Content
1. Fire Scene
The Tam Bo House at Lang Ve Pagoda covers an area of approximately 50 square meters and does not house any ancient Buddha statues or valuable relics. Nevertheless, the fire caused significant damage to the entire roof and several wooden Buddha statues. Authorities swiftly responded, containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to neighboring houses. Despite these efforts, the incident left substantial material and emotional losses for the local community.
2. Official Response
Immediately following the fire, the Bac Giang Provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (VH-TT&DL) dispatched leaders and specialized units to assess the situation. Deputy Director of the Bac Giang Provincial Department of VH-TT&DL, Mr. Nguyen Si Cam, stated that the team promptly implemented measures to handle the aftermath, propose repair plans, and recommend renovations for Lang Ve Pagoda. Additionally, the department issued a dispatch notice requesting a detailed report on the fire and reinforcing safety measures for the heritage site.
The Department of Cultural Heritage also sent a dispatch notice to the Bac Giang Provincial Department of VH-TT&DL, demanding an urgent inspection of the site, an evaluation of the damage, and recommendations for remediation. The relevant authorities were instructed to submit their reports to the Bac Giang Provincial People’s Committee and the Ministry of VH-TT&DL by 10 AM on February 11.
3. Investigation and Remediation
Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary information suggests that an electrical system or equipment failure in the Tam Bo House may have sparked the blaze. However, the official conclusion is still under verification and will be announced upon completion of the investigation.
Once the cause is determined, the Bac Giang Provincial Department of VH-TT&DL will propose a renovation plan to restore the pagoda and meet the religious needs of the local community. This is a crucial task for the authorities to ensure the sustainability and cultural value of the heritage site.
4. Protecting Heritage and Enhancing Safety Measures
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the Bac Giang Provincial Department of VH-TT&DL has requested increased protection measures for the heritage site, including the installation of surveillance cameras, automatic fire alarms, and regular inspections of electrical systems and equipment. These measures not only safeguard the site from fire hazards but also enhance community awareness of cultural preservation.
Conclusion
The fire at Lang Ve Pagoda has resulted in significant material and emotional losses. However, the prompt and decisive actions taken by the authorities have mitigated the damage. Proposing a renovation plan for Lang Ve Pagoda is a vital step toward restoring the heritage site and ensuring the rights of the local community. Furthermore, enhancing protective measures is essential to prevent future incidents. We hope that with support from authorities and the community, Lang Ve Pagoda will soon be restored and continue to play its important role as a cultural heritage site of Bac Giang Province.
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