The massive fire occurred on Sunday night, July 21, 2024. The fire started around 8:00 PM WITA and quickly spread. The fire destroyed three main tourist accommodations: Padangbai Inn Hotel and Restaurant, Kerti Bungalow, and Billabong Restaurant.
Residents and tourists gave testimonies about how quickly the fire spread, they saved themselves by going down through the electricity pole near the building. Many were shocked and panicked, trying to save themselves and their valuables. A local resident, Mrs. Made, recounted how she saw the fire start from one building and quickly spread to others.
Firefighting teams were immediately deployed to the location to extinguish the fire. Despite their hard efforts, the fire was only extinguished a few hours later. Besides the firefighting teams, local residents also helped in the firefighting efforts.
Impact of the Fire
The loss from this fire is estimated at IDR 5 billion. This figure includes damage to buildings, property, and burnt vehicles.
Three main tourist accommodations that burned were Padangbai Inn Hotel and Restaurant, Kerti Bungalow, and Billabong Restaurant. In addition to these, a total of 20 buildings and two motorbikes were completely burned.
“From those three tourist accommodations, 20 buildings burned down, including 2 motorcycles,” said the Head of Padangbai Harbor Police, Commissioner I Nyoman Merta Kariana, on Monday, July 22, 2024.
The burnt motorcycles included a Kawasaki KLX and a Matic motorcycle, which was reduced to just the frame. “There were also two motorcycles that were completely burnt. When totaled with the buildings, the loss amounts to around IDR 5 billion,” explained Nyoman Merta Kariana.
Impact on Tourism
The fire attracted the attention of many tourists. Many of them felt worried and anxious about their safety. Some tourists decided to leave Padangbai earlier than planned.
Local businesses around Padangbai also suffered significant impacts. Many businesses had to close temporarily, awaiting recovery and repairs. Business owners face major challenges in restoring their operations. The fire caused many workers to lose their jobs. This job loss adds an economic burden to many families in Padangbai. The local community feels a significant social impact. However, the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among Padangbai residents is very strong. They work together to help fire victims and restore their village.
Investigation and Cause of the Fire
The head of Padangbai Harbor Police, Commissioner I Nyoman Merta Kariana, stated that the cause of the fire is still unknown and will be further investigated. He emphasized that authorities will conduct a thorough investigation.
A team from the Bali Police Forensics has been deployed to investigate the cause of the fire. They will conduct forensic analysis to identify the source of the fire and the factors contributing to its spread.
Suspected Causes of the Fire
Some initial suspicions suggest that natural and weather factors may have played a role in this fire. However, further investigation is needed to confirm whether these factors indeed contributed to the fire.
The possibility of human negligence cannot be ruled out either. Further investigation will determine whether there was any element of negligence that caused this fire.
Recovery Efforts
The local government has pledged to provide aid to fire victims. This aid includes financial assistance, medical aid, and psychological support for those affected by the fire.
The local community is also actively helping fire victims and trying to restore the village’s condition. They organize various fundraising activities and aid to support fire victims.
Fire Prevention in the Future
Measures to improve the security and fire prevention system will be implemented. This includes installing fire extinguishers in every building, emergency evacuation training, and improving the fire detection system.
Community education and awareness about fire hazards and prevention measures will also be a main focus. Educational programs will be held to teach residents about fire prevention actions.
Final Thoughts
This fire tragedy in Padangbai is a reminder of the importance of preparedness and fire prevention. The losses are significant, both materially and socially. However, the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among Padangbai residents shows that they can rise again from this tragedy.
The hope for the future is that Padangbai can recover quickly and once again become a safe and comfortable tourist destination for all. Joint efforts from the government, local community, and tourists will be very important in this recovery process. With hard work and a strong spirit, Padangbai will rise again and become a beautiful place to visit.
