Kencho Cho Sum Lhakhang in Bumthang was razed to the ground by a fire at 3:30 pm yesterday. The fire started from a butter lamp, which fell on the floor inside the Lhakhang.

However, the fire was contained at round 4:30 pm by the fire officials, dzongkhag officials and the local residents. After carrying out damage assessment to the Lhakhang, the police said the fire had not damaged any sacred relics or Nangtens.

The caretaker said he was at the Tamzhing Lhakang attending a ritual when the incident took place.

Police officials said the fire was an accident and will not carry out any further investigation.

Kencho Sum Lhakhang is one of the sacred Lhakhangs in Bumthang.

It is located five kilometres away from the Chamkhar town.

The Lhakhang was built in 9th century by Thrisung Deutsen.

Four huts razed to the ground

Meanwhile, four huts belonging to four families were completely gutted by a fire in Dechencholing this afternoon.

A child inside one of the huts was toying with Bhukhari charcoals when the fire began.

Except for one family who could save about half of his belongings, the rest lost all their belongings. There were no casualties.

After more than 40 minutes, the Police together with the Royal Body Guards and forest officials controlled the fire.  Source: BBS