A fire broke out early Friday morning at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, a four-star resort in the Dominican Republic, resulting in the death of an Italian tourist and the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests. The victim was identified as 46-year-old Francesca Valentino.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene after the fire rapidly spread through several large thatched-roof cabanas, fueled by wind conditions and the flammable materials of the structures, according to an initial inquiry by the country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE). Videos circulated on social media showed firefighters actively battling the blaze before bringing it under control.

In addition to Valentino’s death, three individuals were hospitalized, and six others received treatment on site. Resort guests were subsequently relocated to alternative accommodations in the area.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations remain ongoing. Italy’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic reportedly met with Valentino’s husband following the incident.

The Dominican Republic, a popular tourist destination, welcomed over 5.6 million visitors during the first five months of 2026. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which owns the Viva Wyndham brand among its portfolio of approximately 8,400 hotels worldwide, has been contacted for comment, as has the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.