One Killed, 1,700 Successfully Evacuated as Huge Fire Strikes D.R. Resort

A huge fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic beach resort killed a 46-year-old female Italian tourist and forced nearly 1,700 guests to be evacuated on Friday.

In a statement to local media from the DAEH emergency services said that three people were taken to medical facilities and six others treated on site.

According to the BBC, drone footage revealed a widespread fire with several buildings on fire, and thick black smoke billowing into the air. The cause of the early-morning blaze is not yet known, but officials said flames spread quickly due to wind conditions and the flammable thatched roofs on some buildings.

The resort was operating at approximately 84% occupancy. Dominican officials said the response to the incident was quick and effective.

“From the very beginning, emergency response mechanisms were activated to protect human lives,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE).

“Effective coordination among authorities, emergency responders and hotel staff made it possible to safely evacuate 1,690 people, demonstrating the Dominican Republic’s preparedness and response capabilities in situations of this nature,” 

Dominican officials say emergency response agencies and tourism authorities continue to support relocated guests, providing assistance and resources to ensure their well-being during this process.

Operations in Bayahibe, La Romana, Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata and the country’s other tourism hubs remain fully active.