At least one dead and 1,700 evacuated in horror fire at luxury beach resort on Caribbean island

By STEPHEN M. LEPORE, US SENIOR REPORTER and LAURA PARNABY, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER and WILL POTTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 03:19, 20 June 2026 | Updated: 03:28, 20 June 2026 The huge fire at a popular tourist destination in the Dominican Republic has killed at least one person and forced another 1,700 to be evacuated.  Shocking footage showed smoke billowing from a section of the Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort in La Altagracia on Friday. Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian woman, was killed, the DAEH emergency ​service said in a statement.  Three people were taken to ​medical facilities and six others were treated on site, ⁠DAEH said. Those affected included guests, visitors and emergency responders. 'Preliminary observations indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature ​of parts of the roof structures made of palm, as ​well as wind conditions,' the country's Emergency Operations Center (COE) said.  The fire was brought under control but its causes were still being investigated, the operations center said. Guests ​were moved to ​nearby hotels. ⁠ The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, part of the same chain, did not sustain any damage. 'Tourist activities ​in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected ​and ⁠continue to take place safely and as normal,' COE added.  A drone view shows a fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, La Altagracia, Dominican Republi A huge fire broke out at the Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday Video shows flames raging through what appears to be a thatched roof on top of the hotel Shocking footage showed smoke billowing from the resort as panicked tourists ran for their lives  Emergency services raced to the tourist hotspot as the fires grew out of control Emergency services raced to the tourist hotspot, which is operated by Wyndham Resorts, as the flames spiraled out of control. First responders said fire crews were deployed quickly to contain the inferno.  Authorities said they were working to contain the flames to the area, fearing it could spread to nearby structures in the resort, according to Dominican Today. One witness said on social media that firefighters were struggling to extinguish the fires.  'Although fire trucks are already on the scene, the magnitude of the blaze exceeds the available equipment and greater support is required with higher-impact units to fully extinguish it,' they wrote.  Video shows flames raging through what appears to be a thatched roof on top of the hotel.  Fire crews can be seen dousing the building with water, but the hosepipe is measly by comparison to the structure.  Dozens of witnesses gathered around to watch the ensuing carnage as the hotel burned.  Authorities said they were working to contain the flames to the area, fearing it could spread to nearby structures in the resort The resort is a popular destination for American tourists, who often share picturesque tropical photos of their trips to the island across social media Authorities said they were working to contain the flames to the area, fearing it could spread to nearby structures in the resort Video shows flames raging through what appears to be a thatched roof on top of the hotel The hotel is described on its website as an 'all-inclusive paradise' where 'the sun and moon set the stage for nonstop fun', surrounded by 'pristine white sands' The resort is a popular destination for American tourists, who often share picturesque tropical photos of their trips to the island across social media.  The hotel is described on its website as an 'all-inclusive paradise' where 'the sun and moon set the stage for nonstop fun', surrounded by 'pristine white sands'.  It offers a variety of entertainment, from restaurants and live music to sports like pickleball, paddleboarding and trapeze lessons.  The resort spills out onto the beach, complete with a large pool close to the sand.  It has also undergone extensive renovations in the past few years, including common areas and many of its food offerings.  Famous for its clear water and white sand beaches, the Dominican Republic ⁠is the ​Caribbean's top tourist destination, receiving some ​5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.  The comments below have not been moderated. 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