Key points
- A Springvale temple belonging to the Bright Moon Buddhist Society temple caught fire about 8pm Sunday.
- About 150 firefighters were called, and it took them almost three hours to bring the fire under control.
- Springvale was blanketed in smoke and the flames were reportedly seen up to 15km away.
- The temple was destroyed.
- The cause of the fire is yet unknown.
Investigators are probing the cause of a large fire in Melbourne’s south-east that gutted a Buddhist temple and took firefighters more than two-and-a-half hours to get under control.
More than 150 firefighters were called to the blaze at the Bright Moon Buddhist Society temple in Springvale, which broke out at about 8pm on Sunday.
Residents were warned to keep clear of the temple as firefighters battled the blaze.Credit:Twitter
The two-storey temple on Springvale Road was fully alight when firefighters arrived and smoke from the fire was spotted from more than 15 kilometres away, according to social media posts.
Firefighters declared the fire under control about 10.35pm on Sunday.
Victoria Police confirmed on Monday morning that investigations into the cause of the fire were ongoing, and said it was still unclear whether the blaze was suspiciously lit.
The Department of Transport re-opened Springvale Road to traffic about 2.30am on Monday.
Chinese New Year celebrations at the Bright Moon Buddhist Society temple in 2016.Credit:Eddie Jim
Nearby residents were told on Sunday night to remain indoors, close exterior doors and windows and turn off their heating and cooling systems because of the smoke in the area.
The Bright Moon website said the society was formed in 1980 by a group of devout Buddhists who used a Springvale garage for their chanting and activities.
The group later raised the funds to buy the present site in Springvale South in the early 1990s where the temple was eventually built.
More to come
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