Shorin-ji Fire

Description

On February 20, 2026, a fire destroyed buildings at Shorin-ji in the Toyoura area of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The temple and an adjacent two-story residence connected by a passage were burned. Five bodies were found; five people who lived in the residence, including the 89-year-old household head, could not be reached. A 119 call reporting "help" was received shortly before the fire. The temple is said to have more than 400 years of history. Police are investigating identities and the cause.