hotel fire – A large fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, killed a 46-year-old Italian woman and led to the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists. Authorities say flames spread rapidly due to flammable palm-roof structures and wind
Dark smoke rolled above the Caribbean shoreline in Bayahibe, and the flames raced across the straw roof of the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel. By Friday, local emergency authorities said the fire had already taken one life and forced an urgent evacuation of nearly 1,700 people.
The woman who died was Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian, according to the DAEH emergency service statement.
DAEH said three people were taken to medical facilities and six others were treated on site. Those affected included guests, visitors, and emergency responders—people who were pulled into the chaos as the fire intensified.
Footage shared by local media showed dark clouds of smoke billowing over the coastline as the flames engulfed the resort’s straw roof. The country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said preliminary observations indicate the fire spread rapidly because parts of the roof structures were made of palm and were flammable. alongside wind conditions.
The wider chain also faced immediate questions. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which franchises some 8,400 hotels worldwide, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Authorities later reported that the fire was brought under control, but they said its causes were still being investigated. Guests were moved to nearby hotels. COE added that the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace—part of the same chain—did not sustain any damage.
COE also sought to contain fears about the broader area, saying tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal.
The Dominican Republic is known for clear water and white sand beaches, and it has been drawing major visitor numbers this year. The country received some 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.
Even with the fire contained, the damage and disruption lingered in the facts emergency responders shared: one death, more than a dozen people receiving care, and an evacuation on a scale that left little time for anything but survival and speed.
Dominican Republic Bayahibe Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel hotel fire evacuation Francesca Valentino DAEH COE tourists emergency operations