The incident happened at Ve Pagoda in Bac Giang City's Tho Xuong Ward at around 1 am on February 10.
At 1.18 am, the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department sent around 30 officers and four fire engines to the site. Around 20 minutes later, the fire was brought under control.
The fire at Ve Pagoda on February 10.
According to Nguyen Huu Dinh, Vice Chairman of the Bac Giang City People's Committee, the flames intensified, making it difficult for the firefighters to work. As a result, many artefacts that had been preserved for hundreds of years were destroyed.
Local authorities are assessing the losses.
The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes.
Researchers believe Ve Pagoda, which housed a collection of ancient Buddhist statues, was built in the 17th century or earlier.
Other documents and artefacts at the pagoda included incense burners, wooden temple drums, and an altar.
Ve Pagoda was officially recognised as a national cultural and historical site in 1994.
