Fire at Bali's Hard Rock Hotel

KUTA, Bali: Police said Saturday that the fire which gutted the newly built Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta early Friday morning was probably caused by a short circuit.

The fire shocked local residents and tourists on the beach because they heard a loud explosion.

An empty fiberglass water tank was destroyed by the fire. There were no fatalities reported.

"The fire has caused about Rp 700 million in damages," Capt. Tjahyono, the head of Kuta Police, said of the fire which took one hour to extinguish.

Antara reported the hotel was officially opened on Dec.31, although its construction had not been completely finished. (prb)