KARANGASEM, BALI – A devastating overnight fire swept through a commercial poultry farm in eastern Bali on Sunday, killing around 22,000 broiler chickens and causing an estimated Rp1 billion (approximately US$61,000) in losses, local fire officials said.
The blaze broke out before dawn at a chicken farm in Sangkan Gunung Village, Sidemen District, in Karangasem Regency, one of Bali’s major agricultural regions known for rice terraces and rural communities.
Emergency crews from the Karangasem Fire and Rescue Service deployed 17 firefighters and five fire engines to battle the flames.
By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already engulfed the entire poultry shed.
“When our personnel reached the location, the fire was already burning intensely. It took approximately 17,000 liters of water before the blaze was finally brought under control,” said Karangasem Fire and Rescue Service Chief Artha Negara.
Fire Spread Rapidly Through the Poultry House
The destroyed broiler facility measured approximately 12 by 60 meters and belonged to local farmer I Nyoman Yuliantara.
According to fire officials, the incident was first discovered by one of the farm’s employees, who had woken up to perform a routine inspection of the poultry heating furnace.
The heating system, fueled by dry wood pellets, is normally checked every two hours to ensure young chickens remain at a stable temperature.
Instead, the employee found the electricity had gone out and noticed flames erupting from the eastern side of the building.
Workers immediately alerted colleagues and attempted to extinguish the fire using basic equipment while contacting the farm owner, who then reported the emergency to firefighters.
Their efforts proved unsuccessful as the flames spread rapidly through combustible materials stored inside the facility.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Electrical Short Circuit
Authorities believe the fire was most likely caused by an electrical short circuit, although the exact cause remains under investigation.
The blaze completely destroyed the poultry house, leaving no opportunity to rescue the approximately 22,000 broiler chickens inside.
Officials estimate the total financial loss at around Rp1 billion, making it one of the most significant livestock fire incidents reported in Bali this year.
A Reminder of Fire Risks in Agricultural Facilities
While Bali is internationally known for its beaches and tourism industry, agriculture remains a vital part of the island’s economy, particularly in regencies such as Karangasem.
Large poultry operations depend on electrical equipment, heating systems, and combustible bedding materials, creating conditions where fires can spread rapidly if an electrical fault occurs.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular electrical inspections and fire prevention measures at livestock facilities, especially those housing thousands of animals in enclosed buildings.
Authorities have not reported any human injuries, and an investigation into the fire remains ongoing.
#BALINEWS | Source: Detik