A fire tore through a popular beachfront restaurant in Bali’s Seminyak on Sunday evening, forcing diners and staff to flee as flames rapidly engulfed much of the building.
The fire broke out at Chez Gado Gado on Jalan Camplung Tanduk at around 7.40pm on August 30. The restaurant, which has operated in Seminyak for more than 30 years, is known for its beachfront setting and has long attracted international visitors, including Australian tourists.
No deaths were reported.
According to Badung Fire and Rescue officials, firefighters received the initial report at around 7.40pm and arrived at the scene at approximately 7.50pm. Ten fire engines were deployed from stations including Pos Induk, Kunti, Majapahit, Dalung and Mengwi.
Firefighters battled the blaze for around two hours and 40 minutes, using approximately 115,000 litres of water to bring it under control.
The fire destroyed most of the restaurant building, which measured approximately 45 metres by 40 metres. An office building on the southern side of the property was saved, with property worth an estimated Rp700 million reportedly secured.
Total material losses were estimated at around Rp4 billion.
Witnesses said the fire appeared to begin near the northern front section of the restaurant before rapidly spreading to the roof, which was made partly from alang-alang, a highly combustible thatching material.
Ketut Gatep, a local motorcycle taxi driver who was nearby when the fire started, said security staff initially tried to extinguish the flames with fire extinguishers.
However, the fire quickly intensified after reaching the thatched roof.
As the flames spread, restaurant employees and diners rushed out of the building. People and businesses nearby also moved away from the area as the heat and flames intensified.
Police have since examined four witnesses and secured the scene as part of the investigation.
According to Denpasar Police, a birthday celebration was taking place at the restaurant shortly before the fire started, with helium balloons brought in by the guests as decorations.
Investigators said a popping sound was heard near a dining table. When a security officer went to check, flames had already reached decorations and the thatched pergola roof.
Staff attempted to extinguish the fire using portable fire extinguishers, but were unable to contain it as the flames spread rapidly through the structure.
Police said the fire was suspected to have started after a helium balloon came into contact with a candle flame. However, the cause has not been officially confirmed and investigators are coordinating with the Bali Police forensic laboratory.
The blaze attracted attention in Australia after Australian media reported on the incident, including accounts from tourists who were at the restaurant when the fire broke out.
A Perth woman told PerthNow she was waiting for a table when she said a helium balloon exploded and the venue caught fire within seconds. She said she and others escaped through a back entrance.
Australian media described the venue as popular with Australian tourists, while highlighting its long-standing reputation as a beachfront dining destination in Seminyak.
The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.
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