A hydrogen-filled balloon ignited during a birthday celebration on Sunday, Aug. 30, sparking a massive fire that destroyed the popular Chez Gado Gado restaurant in the Bali resort town of Seminyak, Indonesia. According to eyewitnesses and local reports, the blaze tore through the beachside venue during the dinner rush, forcing tourists and staff to flee to the sand as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
How the Fire Started at Chez Gado Gado
The fire broke out during a birthday gathering at the southern Bali restaurant, which has operated in its central Seminyak location overlooking the Indian Ocean for more than three decades. According to traveler Tara Borelli, 30, who spoke to News.com.au, a party at a neighboring table was celebrating a 70th birthday with silver helium balloons tied to chairs. When a waitress attempted to light a birthday candle, the flame came too close to the balloon.
“It popped then exploded. Eyewitness Paul Cole told 9News that the scene “lit up like a firecracker” as panicked patrons began screaming and running.”
Evacuation and Emergency Response
As flames engulfed the venue, diners scrambled for exits and rushed onto the beach. Heath Nelson, a witness who escaped the inferno, told 7News that roughly 1,000 people gathered on the beach in shock while the restaurant burned. Footage shared on social media captured thick clouds of smoke billowing from the structure as patrons sought refuge near the water.
Borelli described fleeing toward the water with her seven-year-old daughter and 12-year-old cousin, while another family member stayed behind to assist a man in a wheelchair. According to Asia One, the Badung Fire Department deployed ten fire engines from at least five fire stations, which arrived within 10 minutes. Firefighters spent roughly two-and-a-half hours bringing the blaze under control, though the structure was largely destroyed.
Injuries and Estimated Damages
Authorities reported no grievous injuries, though a few individuals required medical attention. According to 7News, an Australian teenager was transported to the hospital for burns to his face and arms, while 9News reported that a restaurant staff member sustained burns to her hand. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated it is aware of the incident and prepared to offer consular assistance to the boy if required.
Initial estimates from authorities place the total damages and losses at approximately 4 billion Indonesian Rupiah, equivalent to about $226,000. An investigation into the cause and circumstances of the fire remains ongoing, and the venue stayed closed as cleanup and assessment efforts continued.