An early morning fire that severely damaged a Buddhist temple in Franklinton was likely intentionally set, according to a Columbus fire official.

An early morning fire that severely damaged a Buddhist temple in Franklinton was likely intentionally set, according to a Columbus fire official.

The blaze, reported about 4:30 a.m., tore through the Karma Thegsum Choling temple, housed in what had originally been a residential building at S. Grubb and W. Rich streets.

The temple�s members follow a stream of Tibetan Buddhism.

�It does look to me like it�s going to be a set fire, but we won�t know more until we get inside,� said Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Tracy Smith.

Building inspectors were needed to give fire inspectors clearance to enter the structure safely, Smith said. About 60 percent of the building was damaged.

The fire was contained about 6:30 a.m., but hot spots were still being monitored four hours later.

Smith said at least two trash fires and a garage fire were reported in the area.

�We haven�t been able to link them together,� Smith said.

Firefighers may have additional details on the cause later today.

dnarciso@dispatch.com

@DeanNarciso