PECATU, Bali – A festive New Year’s celebration turned to devastation in the early hours of 2026 in Uluwatu, one of Bali’s most sought-after coastal enclaves, as a fire sparked by fireworks tore through a villa complex, reducing ten luxury units to ashes.
The blaze erupted at approximately 12:47 AM local time on Thursday, January 1, at the Desa Harmonis villa complex in Pecatu Village, South Kuta. According to I Nyoman Suardana, Secretary of the Badung Regency Fire and Rescue Service, the fire quickly consumed ten villas, along with the complex’s lobby and a nearby villa known as Bilabong.
Firefighters faced a significant challenge, deploying seven fire trucks from multiple stations across the Badung region. The intense fire required approximately three and a half hours to fully extinguish, with the affected area estimated at 10 are (roughly 1,000 square meters).
“The cause of the fire was fireworks embers,” Mr. Suardana stated definitively on Thursday morning.
Miraculously, officials confirmed there were no fatalities or injuries resulting from the fast-moving fire—a testament likely to the swift emergency response and evacuation. The material damage, however, is severe, with preliminary loss estimates reaching 3 billion Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $190,000 USD).
The incident casts a stark light on the inherent risks of private fireworks displays in Bali’s densely built tourist areas, especially during the dry season. Uluwatu, famous for its clifftop temples and luxury resorts, is characterized by properties often built with natural materials and situated in close proximity, creating ideal conditions for a fire to spread rapidly.
For the island’s large community of villa owners, expatriate residents, and frequent visitors, the fire serves as a sobering New Year’s reminder. It underscores the critical importance of adhering to local regulations regarding fireworks, maintaining clear emergency access, and ensuring properties are equipped with adequate fire safety measures—a collective responsibility in preserving the safety and beauty of Bali’s most prized locations.
