A fire broke out at a seaside resort in the popular Dominican Republic tourist resort of Bayahibe, killing one person and forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests and staff, Reuters reported on Friday, citing authorities. The victim, 46-year-old Italian tourist Francesca Valentino, died in the fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, according to DAEH emergency services. Three people were transported to medical facilities, while six others, including hotel guests, visitors and emergency personnel, were treated at the scene. Video circulated by local media showed thick black smoke rising over the Caribbean coastline and flames engulfing the resort’s palm-thatched roofs. Emergency crews battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. According to the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE), the fire spread quickly because part of the hotel’s roof is constructed of highly flammable palm material. Strong winds further fueled the fire.The country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said: “Initial observations indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of the structural portion of the Palm’s roof and wind conditions.” Authorities evacuated about 1,700 tourists from the resort and moved guests to nearby hotels. The adjacent Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace hotel, part of the same hotel chain, was not damaged. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Despite the incident, officials stressed that tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas continue as normal. “Tourist activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas have not been affected and continue to operate safely and normally,” the COE said. Known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, the Dominican Republic remains the Caribbean’s most popular tourist destination, welcoming some 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.
