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Firefighters battle huge blaze at Springvale South Buddhist temple
Updated ,first published
Firefighters had the upper hand late Sunday in their efforts to contain a huge fire that caused significant damage to a celebrated Buddhist temple in Springvale South.
At least three dozen fire vehicles and appliances, including some with high ladders, were called to the Bright Moon Buddhist Society temple on Springvale Road at around 8pm.
More than 150 firefighters were involved in the effort to contain the blaze, but the temple sustained significant damage.
Firefighters were unable to reach the building’s basement late Sunday, according to Nine News.
The blaze was deemed to be under control by Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) by 11pm, with authorities earlier issuing a Watch and Act warning for Springvale South and the surrounding suburbs of Dingley Village, Keysborough and Noble Park.
Although the FRV listed the fire as being under control, it still warned residents to stay informed overnight, along with keeping their doors and windows closed.
Springvale Road remained closed near the temple late Sunday with FRV warning people to stay away from the area and expect emergency vehicles to remain around the building.
Smoke from the fire at the two-storey temple has been spotted as far as 15 kilometres away according to social media posts while FRV has warned residents to continue to monitor the fire in case conditions change.
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 current site in Springvale South in the early 1990s where the temple was eventually built.
The temple is understood to draw thousands of visitors to the area each year with both Buddhists and those interested in the faith making trips to the building.
