Three villas at a popular tourist resort in Bali have been destroyed by fire after a blaze allegedly started when locals burned rubbish close to the property.
White Tortoise Eco Villas in Uluwatu said the fire tore through three of its seven villas in a matter of minutes during the weekend, with dry conditions and strong winds helping the flames spread rapidly.
In a statement shared online, the property described the incident as “the worst day of our lives”, saying the three villas were destroyed within about 10 minutes.
The business said the fire was sparked by locals burning rubbish outside the resort, at a time when Bali has experienced an extended dry period.
“Three of our beloved villas burned down due to locals burning trash outside the resort while it hasn’t been raining for months and during a very windy day,” the property said.
Dramatic footage from the scene showed flames engulfing one of the villas, leaving much of the structure destroyed.
No injuries were reported.
However, the fire caused significant damage beyond the three villas, with the resort saying its electrical system and water supply were also affected.
As a result, White Tortoise said the entire property would have to remain closed while repairs are carried out.
The resort said it was committed to rebuilding and reopening following the devastating blaze.
The incident comes as Bali continues to grapple with waste management problems, with rubbish burning becoming an increasingly visible issue in some parts of the island.
Bali’s largest landfill stopped accepting organic waste earlier this year, contributing to uncertainty among residents about how and where rubbish should be disposed of.
Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to exercise caution during the dry season.
