Traditional houses in Lombok's Sade Village destroyed by fire

Traditional houses in Sade Village, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, were engulfed in flames on Saturday night, August 22. The fire broke out around 10 p.m. local time, according to the head of Rambitan Village, Lalu Winakse, who was present at the scene.

Multiple fire and rescue units were deployed to combat the blaze. Assistance came from Lombok Timur, Lombok Barat, Mataram City, the NTB provincial government, and all units within Central Lombok Regency. The fire reportedly started in one house and spread to others, many of which are constructed with wood, bamboo, and thatch.

Residents of the Sade traditional village, home to approximately 700 people from a single lineage and around 150 houses, evacuated to save themselves and their belongings. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. However, officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage, including the number of affected residents and houses.

The Sade traditional houses are known for their aesthetic value and local wisdom. Built by the Sasak people, these structures feature walls of woven bamboo and floors made from a mixture of clay and buffalo dung, a technique passed down through generations that hardens the earth like cement. The houses typically have a single, narrow, low entrance and no windows.

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The fire incident was around 10 p.m. WITA. I was at the crime scene.