Gianyar Hit by Three Fires in a Single Day
Gianyar was struck by three separate fire incidents in a single day on Saturday (5/9/2026). The disasters included the burning of shrines and a building, a field fire in a rice paddy, and a fire at a household furniture warehouse.
Fire destroyed five shrines and one pavilion building at Pura Dadia Abutasan, Banjar Getas Kangin, Buruan Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar. The building was completely consumed by the flames.
“The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 PM WITA,” said Blahbatuh Police Chief, Commissioner Luh Putu Sri Sumartini, in a statement on Saturday (5/9/2026).
Sumartini stated that the fire was triggered by offerings during the Tumpek Uye holy day celebrations at the temple. The fire was first noticed by the temple caretaker, I Wayan Tarka.
Upon seeing the flames, the traditional Balinese wooden slit drum, known as a kulkul, was sounded to call for assistance. Shortly after, police and Gianyar Fire Department officers arrived to begin extinguishing the fire.
“Local residents gathered at the location and worked alongside Blahbatuh Police personnel to carry out initial firefighting efforts using available equipment while waiting for the arrival of the Gianyar Regency Fire Department,” said Sumartini.
Sumartini noted that the fire was brought under control two hours later. However, the Gedong Penyimpenan, Taksu, Menjang Siang, Gedong Arta, and Pesamuan shrines, as well as the pavilion building, had already been destroyed. Preliminary investigations suggest sparks from offerings were the likely cause.
“Based on initial statements from the temple caretaker, the fire is suspected to be related to sparks from incense during the offering ceremony. However, the exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed,” explained Sumartini.
There were no casualties in the incident, though material losses reached Rp 500 million. “We urge the public to always be careful when using fire sources, particularly incense and prayer implements,” Sumartini pleaded.
Almost simultaneously, a field fire occurred on Jalan Naga Kunci, Banjar Lebah, Keramas Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar, which also burnt the weeds in the area.
Sumartini stated that the 800-square-metre land, owned by a resident named I Made Putra, was engulfed by flames at approximately 3:00 PM WITA. Two units from the Gianyar Fire Department worked to extinguish the blaze.
“The fire was successfully extinguished around 5:30 PM WITA. There were no casualties or material losses experienced by the landowner in this incident,” explained Summatini.
Investigations at the scene suggest the fire source likely came from the south, spreading to the weeds in the paddy field. Monitoring and handling measures were conducted even after the fire was extinguished to ensure the surrounding area remained safe.
Meanwhile, a fire broke out at a wholesale household furniture warehouse on Jalan Gunung Lempuyang, Gianyar. As a result of the incident, almost all furniture items were destroyed.
“A warehouse for plastic household goods collectors caught fire. The incident occurred in the afternoon at 1:17 PM WITA,” said Gianyar Police Chief, Commissioner I Made Adi Suryawan, when met at the scene on Saturday (5/9/2026).
Suryawan stated that the incident was reported by three warehouse employees, who ran for help as the flames flared up.
Shortly after, eight fire engines from the Gianyar, Ubud, and Sukawati Fire Stations arrived at the location to begin firefighting operations.
“The employees saw thick smoke and flames, so they immediately ran to save themselves, ensuring there were no casualties,” said Suryawan.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 2:30 PM WITA. Firefighters continued to manage the site by spraying the area to prevent any new hotspots from appearing.