Chez Gado-Gado Restaurant on Jalan Camplung Tanduk No. 99, Seminyak, Kuta, Badung Regency, was destroyed by a fire on Sunday evening, August 30, 2026. The incident caused estimated material losses of around IDR 4 billion, while property worth approximately IDR 700 million was reportedly saved.
The fire broke out at around 7.30pm WITA during a birthday celebration at the restaurant. According to the Denpasar City Police, a guest had brought helium balloons as part of the decorations for the event.
Head of Public Relations for the Denpasar City Police, First Inspector (Iptu) I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, said police had questioned four witnesses and secured the scene as part of the investigation.
Helium Balloon Suspected to Have Started Fire
Adi said the fire was believed to have started after a helium balloon came into contact with a candle flame.
“A short while later, a popping sound was heard coming from the direction of the dining tables. Upon hearing the sound, a security guard named MAWK immediately went to the location to investigate,” Adi explained when contacted on Monday, August 31, as cited by Kumparan.
By the time the security guard reached the area, flames had already spread to the decorations and the pergola ceiling, which was made from alang-alang thatch.
“The security guard, along with other staff members, attempted to extinguish the fire using portable fire extinguishers. However, these initial efforts were unsuccessful as the fire rapidly intensified and spread to the ceiling and the restaurant’s structural components,” Adi said.
“Because the materials used for the ceiling or pergola, specifically the alang-alang thatch—are highly flammable, the fire grew quickly and spread to other areas, eventually consuming a large portion of the Gado-Gado Restaurant building,” he added.
After the initial efforts failed to contain the flames, restaurant management contacted the fire and rescue service. Firefighters were subsequently deployed to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings and surrounding areas.
“As a result of the incident, the Gado-Gado Restaurant building caught fire, sustaining damage to the pergola, the alang-alang thatch ceiling/roof, and other parts of the structure,” Adi said.
“There were no casualties. According to witness statements, the fire is suspected to have started when a helium balloon came into contact with a candle flame and caught fire,” he explained.
The fire also destroyed four motorcycles parked at the restaurant. The building and its contents sustained extensive damage.
Ten Fire Trucks Deployed to Tackle Blaze
Head of the Badung Regency Fire and Rescue Agency (Damkar), Dewa Ngurah Bhayudewa, said the agency received the initial report from restaurant security guard I Gede Rai Parwita, 33.
Firefighters departed at approximately 7.42pm WITA and arrived at the scene at around 7.50pm. A total of 10 fire trucks were deployed from the Main Station, Kunti Station, Majapahit Station, Dalung Station and Mengwi Station, with two units sent from each location.
Firefighters worked for approximately two hours and 40 minutes to extinguish the blaze. Around 115,000 litres of water were used during the operation.
“Approximately 115,000 litres of water were used. There were no casualties in the incident,” Bhayudewa said when contacted on Sunday, August 30.
The firefighting operation also involved personnel from PLN, the state electricity company, as well as police officers, security personnel and local residents. Safety measures were implemented during the response to help protect people in the surrounding area and prevent the fire from spreading.
Despite the scale of the damage, no casualties were reported.
“The estimated loss is around IDR 4 billion. Property saved from the office on the southern side is valued at IDR 700 million,” Bhayudewa said.
Investigators from the Kuta Sector Police are continuing to examine the incident. Police are also coordinating with the Bali Regional Police’s Forensic Laboratory Centre (Puslabfor) to determine the exact cause of the fire.
