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Gardner Buddhist Center Ravaged by Two-Alarm Fire
30 Jun
Summary
- A two-alarm fire significantly damaged a Buddhist learning and meditation center.
- A nun was home during the fire and was transported for evaluation.
- The structure sustained hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and is uninhabitable.
A devastating two-alarm fire significantly impacted the International Shakyamuni Buddha Vihara and Vipassana Center in Gardner on Tuesday, June 30th. The blaze, reported shortly before noon, originated on the first floor, causing heavy fire damage. Smoke and heat damage extended throughout the entire building, rendering it uninhabitable.
Three monks and a nun reside at the property. At the time of the fire, only the nun was present. She made an attempt to combat the flames using a fire extinguisher before evacuating the premises. Emergency services transported her to the hospital for medical evaluation following the incident.
The fire necessitated assistance from neighboring departments, including Leominster and Westminster, due to intense heat conditions. Mayor Michael Nicholson expressed his support for the Gardner Buddhist Community, noting that all residents escaped the fire safely. The Red Cross has been engaged to provide support to those displaced, while the extent of the damage is being assessed. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.
