Land Fires Scorch Five Hectares Across Two Locations in Karangasem in a Single Day

Two separate land fires broke out in the Kubu District of Karangasem, Bali, on Thursday, destroying more than five hectares of land. The blazes occurred despite recent rainfall in other parts of the regency, as the Kubu District continues to experience dry conditions.

The first fire was reported in the Dharma Winangun sub-village, Tianyar Village. By the time residents noticed the flames, the fire had already grown significantly and was consuming a large area. Tianyar Village Head I Ketut Wija stated that the exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

"Upon receiving the information, I immediately reported it to the fire department so it could be handled quickly," Wija said. As the fire was located near a residential area, residents worked together to try to extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived.

I Made Suartika, Head of Firefighting and Rescue at the Karangasem Fire Department, explained that the first fire engulfed hectares of land containing cashew nut plantations. Just as personnel were finishing their response to the first incident, they received a report of a second land fire in Tulamben Village, also in the Kubu District.

The second fire consumed land covered in scrub and bush. After several hours of firefighting efforts, the flames were successfully extinguished. To combat both blazes, the Karangasem Fire Department deployed three fire engines and 13 personnel, using tens of thousands of litres of water.