KARANGASEM, DEWATA.NEWS – A villa building in Sidemen, Karangasem, was destroyed by fire after being struck by lightning on Thursday morning (April 30), resulting in estimated losses of more than IDR 200 million.
The affected structure, measuring approximately 6 by 10 meters, belongs to Ida Ayu Putri Mayuni (46) and is typically used as a meditation space for visitors rather than accommodation.
“The building that burned was not used for lodging, but for meditation activities,” said Head of Firefighting and Rescue at Karangasem Fire Department, I Made Suartika.
According to initial reports, the fire was triggered by two lightning strikes. The first strike did not cause damage, but the second strike ignited flames that quickly spread across the structure.
The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to the villa’s roof, which was made of dried grass (alang-alang), a highly flammable material commonly used in traditional Balinese architecture.
Staff members at the site attempted to secure valuables while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
Firefighters deployed five fire engines from Selat and Karangasem City posts, supported by 14 personnel. Approximately 20,000 liters of water were used to extinguish the fire.
“The fire has been fully extinguished, and the estimated losses exceed IDR 200 million,” Suartika confirmed.
No injuries were reported in the incident. However, the event highlights the potential risks posed by lightning during certain weather conditions, particularly for structures built with combustible materials.