A fire broke out at Daishō-in Temple on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture on May 20.

Flames engulfed the building as thick smoke billowed into the air. The first floor was completely charred black.

At around 8:30AM, authorities received a report that the temple’s Reikado Hall was on fire.

The Reikado Hall is known as a site where Kukai, an influential Japanese Buddhist monk who was born in 774,  is said to have practiced ascetic training.

The hall housed the sacred “Eternal Flame,” which is believed to have burned continuously for more than 1,200 years.

The flame is also known as the source of the “Flame of Peace” at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

The Reikado Hall has reportedly experienced fires in the past.

Although the hall itself was completely destroyed in the fire, temple officials say the “Eternal Flame” remains safe because its embers are managed separately.