BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — The Denpasar Social Affairs Agency (Dinsos) moved quickly to assess and assist victims of a timber warehouse fire that broke out on Saturday (April 18, 2026) afternoon. The response has focused on meeting the victims’ basic needs in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Head of Denpasar Social Affairs Agency I Gusti Ayu Laxmy Saraswaty, said her team received initial information through the SKPD Rapid Response group and promptly deployed personnel to the scene to conduct data collection.

“We received information from the SKPD Rapid Response group. Since post-fire handling falls under the responsibility of the Social Affairs Agency, we immediately went to the location to carry out assessments,” she said.

Preliminary data shows that 29 people were affected by the fire. Among them are children aged around four to five years, categorized as vulnerable groups. However, all victims were confirmed safe, with no serious injuries reported.

“There are 29 people affected, including young children. Thankfully, none suffered serious injuries,” she explained.

Dinsos has also coordinated with the warehouse management to identify urgent needs, including food supplies and proper clothing, as part of the minimum service standards in post-disaster response.

“We are coordinating to determine what is needed, whether food or clothing. This is part of the minimum service standards after a disaster,” she added.

Currently, response efforts remain in the early stages, as the fire site is still undergoing a cooling process. Aid distribution will follow once detailed data on victims’ needs has been fully compiled.

“We are prioritizing data collection first, then coordinating with the village authorities for the distribution of food assistance,” she said.

Regarding victims who sustained minor burns, medical treatment has been handled by the company and is covered under the national health and employment insurance programs, BPJS Kesehatan and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan.

In addition, Dinsos is considering facilitating the return of affected individuals to their hometowns, as many of them are migrant workers. This process will be coordinated with the Provincial Social Affairs Agency after a thorough assessment is completed.

“If it is not feasible for them to remain here for an extended period, we can facilitate their return through the Provincial Social Affairs Agency after the assessment,” she stated.

She added that post-disaster assistance from Dinsos typically lasts between three to seven days, in accordance with established minimum service standards.

Meanwhile, the public is urged to remain vigilant, especially during the dry season when fire risks increase. Residents are advised to ensure electrical installations are safe and to avoid open burning, particularly during strong winds.

“We urge the public to be more cautious, including checking electrical installations and refraining from burning waste carelessly. Strong winds can accelerate the spread of fire,” she concluded.