GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – A fire broke out at a former gallery and restaurant building on Jalan Hanoman, Ubud, early Friday morning (April 3, 2026), with authorities suspecting an electrical short circuit as the cause.
The incident occurred around 04:45 WITA in the Padang Tegal Mekar Sari area. Police said the fire was first noticed by a passerby who saw thick smoke coming from the vacant building.
“A witness saw heavy smoke coming from the empty building and immediately reported it to local security (pecalang),” said Ubud Police Chief Kompol I Wayan Putra Antara.
A local resident who responded to the report found flames already emerging near the staircase leading to the second floor. The building owner was contacted, and authorities, including police and firefighters, were alerted.
Firefighters from Gianyar Regency, along with Ubud Police personnel, arrived at the scene at approximately 05:00 WITA and quickly worked to contain the fire.
“The fire was fully extinguished by 05:15 WITA. The situation was controlled quickly, preventing the flames from spreading further,” the police chief added.
Initial findings indicate the fire likely originated from a water heater unit due to an electrical short circuit. At the time of the incident, the building was unoccupied and undergoing equipment dismantling after the lease between the Taksu management and the property owner ended on April 1, 2026.
No injuries were reported. However, material losses are estimated at IDR 50 million, including damage to the water heater unit and parts of the building ceiling.
Authorities confirmed that the building owner has accepted the incident as an accident and will not pursue legal action.
“The owner considers this a pure accident caused by an electrical issue and does not plan to take legal action,” he said.
The incident highlights the importance of electrical safety, particularly in buildings undergoing maintenance or decommissioning.