Raging inferno at Dominican resort one dead, nearly 1,700 forced to evacuate

Said Report leisure critic T Snitz Esq, "I gave the resort 4.9 stars for the outstanding cuisine, immacute grounds, 36 hole links and tastful ambiance broken only by the occassional raging inferno. I look forward to my next stay!"

Raging inferno at Dominican resort one dead, nearly 1,700 forced to evacuate

By Daniel Cody, NY Post

Published June 19, 2026

A massive, out-of-control inferno tore through a beachfront resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, killing a woman and forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests and staff.

The fierce and fast-spreading fire broke out at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, sending plumes of thick, dark smoke billowing over the picturesque Caribbean coastline.

The out-of-control blaze broke out at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel on June 19, 2026.

One person was killed in the fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic.

One woman, identified as 46-year-old Italian national Francesca Valentino, was killed.

Three people were taken to medical facilities in Bayahibe, and six others were treated at the scene, according to the Dominican Republic’s pre-hospital emergency directorate.

Initial reports indicate that the fire ignited due to “roof structures made of palm” and unfavorable weather conditions, according to authorities.

“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 Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) said.

Aerial view of a resort in the Dominican Republic with multiple buildings engulfed in flames and dense black smoke rising into the sky.

“Tourist activities ​in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected ​and ⁠continue to take place safely and as normal,” COE added.

The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, part of the same chain, did not sustain any damage.

Wyndham Hotels did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.