Reikado Hall Fire: 1,200-Year-Old Eternal Flame Suspected as Cause
Breaking: A fire at the Daishoin Buddhist temple complex on Miyajima island has destroyed the Reikado Hall, which housed an "eternal flame" said to have burned for nearly 1,200 years.
Incident Overview
A fire engulfed the Reikado Hall within the Daishoin Buddhist temple complex on Miyajima island, located in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. The blaze was reported on Wednesday morning and was officially declared extinguished on Thursday.
The Eternal Flame
The hall was renowned for housing a sacred "eternal flame." According to the temple, this flame had been burning continuously for nearly 1,200 years. Temple officials confirmed that the flame was moved to a different location before the fire broke out.
Authorities investigating the incident have stated that the flame may have caused the fire.
A History of Loss
This is not the first time the Reikado Hall has been destroyed by fire. The structure also burned down in 2005. On that occasion, the eternal flame was successfully preserved.