Fire at Victoria’s oldest Chinese temple causes extensive damage

Victoria’s oldest Chinese temple has sustained extensive damage after a fire broke out on Monday afternoon. 

On June 15th, fire crews were dispatched to one of Victoria’s most significant sites, the Tam Kung Temple, located at 1713 Government Street. 

Victoria Fire Department responded to the blaze at around 2:45 p.m. following reports of smoke coming from the building’s roof. 

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control by attacking the flames from multiple fronts, but despite their best efforts, the fire left behind extensive smoke and water damage. 

According to a City of Victoria spokesperson, there is fire damage on the third floor, water damage to the residential occupancy on the second floor and water damage to the commercial space on the ground floor. 

The building’s tenants will have to work with their insurance providers and landlords regarding interim accommodations or insurance claims. 

No injuries were reported. 

Fire investigators arrived on the scene to examine the building in the afternoon to determine the cause of the fire. The scene was clear of fire crews by around 6:15 p.m.

The fire has since been deemed as not suspicious and accidental in nature. 

The Tam Kung Temple was built in 1876 and has been one of Victoria’s most revered sights for decades.