1,690 guests evacuated as emergency crews continue efforts to extinguish fire at Viva Dominicus Beach

Bayahibe.- Authorities continue efforts to fully extinguish a fire that broke out early Friday at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel in Bayahibe, prompting the evacuation and relocation of 1,690 guests as emergency teams work to contain the blaze.

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) reported that it is coordinating response efforts alongside regional fire departments and institutions that form part of the National Prevention, Mitigation, and Response System (SNPMR). More than five hours after the emergency began, firefighters remained focused on extinguishing active hotspots, particularly in the warehouse and employee access areas of the resort.

According to authorities, the fire has been brought under control at the hotel’s main entrance, but operations continue to prevent its spread and ensure complete suppression.

Firefighters from La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, Higüey and Verón-Punta Cana have joined forces in the operation, which has also received support from Central Romana Corporation and Punta Cana International Airport through the deployment of specialized equipment and firefighting resources.

As a precautionary measure, all guests at the affected property were evacuated and transferred to nearby accommodations, including the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace hotel, other establishments in Bayahibe, and resorts in Miches, such as Catalonia and Sunscape. Authorities said the relocation process was carried out under established contingency plans designed to safeguard visitors and maintain tourism operations.

The Ministry of Tourism, the La Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster and hotels throughout the area activated emergency protocols to facilitate guest assistance and ensure continuity across the destination’s tourism sector.

Officials confirmed that the neighboring Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which belongs to the same hotel chain, did not sustain damage from the fire. Its guests were temporarily moved to safe, well-ventilated areas in accordance with safety procedures, and the hotel continues to operate normally. Some evacuated guests from Dominicus Beach have since been accommodated there.

Authorities emphasized that tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas continue safely and without interruption.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A technical commission will determine the origin of the incident once emergency operations are concluded and a full assessment of the site is completed.