Villa Fire in North Kuta Allegedly Caused by Nepali Resident Burning Paper to Kill Spiders
A villa fire broke out in North Kuta, Badung, allegedly caused by a Nepali resident burning paper to chase away spiders in a bathroom. No injuries were reported, but about 13 ares of the property were burned.
According to Badung Police, a fire broke out at around 12:30 p.m. local time on Monday, October 5, at a villa in Tibubeneng Village, North Kuta district, Badung Regency, Bali. Police said the fire allegedly started when Gaorap Rana (45), a Nepali national staying at the villa, burned paper in the bathroom to drive away spiders.
After burning the paper, Rana reportedly left the bathroom to head toward his workroom, but the still-burning paper was apparently blown by strong wind onto the thatched roof of the building, igniting it. The fire then spread to other structures on the villa grounds. Residents who noticed the flames alerted the Badung Fire and Rescue Agency (Diskarmat).
Firefighters deployed seven fire trucks and worked for about two hours to extinguish the blaze, using approximately 60,000 liters of water. The operation also received support from the state electricity company PLN, police, community security volunteers, and local residents. Officials estimated that around 13 ares (roughly 1,300 square meters) of the property were burned.
Police confirmed no casualties resulted from the incident. However, details regarding Rana's residency status at the villa, ownership of the property, impact on nearby residents, and financial losses have not been disclosed. North Kuta Police are continuing to gather information at the scene.
Things to Consider
Avoid using open flames to kill insects or pests inside bathrooms or rooms at villas and hotels; use safer alternatives such as insect spray or mosquito coils instead. Be especially cautious with open flames near thatched (alang-alang) roofs, which can catch fire easily. Before staying at a villa, check the location of fire extinguishers and evacuation routes, and in case of fire, immediately contact the local fire department (119) or villa/hotel management.
Source: ANTARA News Bali