Fire injures monk, destroys Colo. Buddhist temple

WESTMINSTER, Colo. – A fire in the Denver suburb of Westminster has injured a monk and destroyed the Lao Buddhist Temple.

Westminster Fire Department spokeswoman Diana Allen said the cause is under investigation but that there is no reason to believe it was intentionally set. The fire was reported about 6 a.m. Monday.

Allen says the monk suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation, but his injuries are not life-threatening.

Temple secretary Sy Pong identified the monk as Ounkham Veunnasack (AHN'-kam VEN'-nah-sak). Pong says four to six monks lived at the temple.