Kumbasari Market Destroyed: Denpasar. Bali

First time visitors to Bali usually head into Denpasar to visit the famous Kumbasari Markets and get lost in the narrow mazes of stalls. I did get a text message during the week from a friend in Bali regarding the massive fire at the markets but could find no news of it. However, the Bali Discovery Newsletter has confirmed the loss of a Bali and Denpasar Institution.

The Kumbasari Market (Pasar Kumbasari) in downtown Denpasar was destroyed by a massive fire on Wednesday, May 2, 2007. A center for traditional handicrafts and textiles, the Pasar Kumbasari was the place of business for more than 600 local traders at the five-storey structure.

The fire was discovered in the early morning hours on Wednesday when local traders arrived to open their business and was not extinguished until the evening hours despite the efforts of more than 10 fire units responding to the flames.

Firefighters efforts to bring the flames under control were thwarted by heavy winds, limited street access to the market, and only 30% of fire hydrants near the fire in an operating condition.

Police continue to investigate the fire which is believed to have started in a third floor shop. Of possible interest to investigators is the fact that the current management contract from the Municipal Government for the market held by PT Cipta Agung Bali was due to expire on May 20, 2007.

While no injuries were suffered by tenants, three local firefighters were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation.

A similar fire in 2000 destroyed the Badung Traditional Market located just across the Badung River from the Kumbasari Market in downtown Denpasar.