Arson Investigation Launched into Fire Near Wat Sovannkiri Buddhist Temple

The fire started in a tree behind Wat Sovannkiri Buddhist Temple

San Diego Fire-Rescue crews battled a fire that damaged the back patio of a Buddhist temple in Chollas Creek Wednesday.

Now fire investigators are trying to determine what caused the fire.

The fire started in a tree behind Wat Sovannkiri Buddhist Temple at University Avenue and 52nd Street at approximately 3 a.m.

Flames quickly spread to an outside awning of the temple.

When crews arrived, the flames were visible from the street.

Crews were able to put out the fire within 20 minutes without any damage to the temple, officials said.

Power lines along the street were a major concern to firefighters.

The area has seen a string of arsons in the last year. The Metro Arson Strike Team was on scene gathering evidence. They told NBC 7 they do not think it was arson or tied to recent fires in the area.

Chris Huon, an assistant at Wat Sovannkiri, said the temple will not close during the cleanup.

No homes were evacuated. No one was injured.

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