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Grand Bear Resort Fire: Utica vacation homes caught in massive blaze, over 10 structures on fire

According to Utica Fire Chief, there have been no injuries reported, and no evidence of arson

UTICA, NYC: A massive fire broke out at Grand Bear Resort, Utica, at around 5:30 pm on Monday, May 30. According to the Utica Fire Department, about 10 structures were on fire and evacuations were underway. A crane was used to help contain the flames just after 6 pm to avoid the fire spreading to nearby homes.

The cause of the fire is not known yet, according to a report in Shaw Local. Ben Brown, Utica Fire Chief, reported that dispatchers elevated the call to a five-alarm fire within 25-30 minutes of responding. There have been no injuries reported, and no evidence of arson. Brown said no known cause has been identified, though the office of the Illinois State Mire Marshal was sent for investigation.

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However, the firefighters identified the source of the fire. The fire is believed to have originated on the porch of Cabin 19 (cabins are comprised of four connecting units). The fire then quickly spread to neighboring Cabin 18. "The wind is pushing so much heat and embers firefighters have fought a total of five cabins, or 20 units", Brown said. He further said that two additional Mutual Aid Box Alarm Systems, one from Putnam County and one from Grundy County both were issued.

Smoke could be seen billowing for miles as crews continued to battle the blaze. Several photos and videos were posted on social media and it appeared that several cabins at the resort had erupted into flames, with clouds of smoke pouring from the buildings. In a Facebook post, the Utica Fire Protection District said it was working an extra-alarm fire in the cabin area of the Grand Bear Lodge, with assistance from all other departments in the LaSalle County Mutual Aid Box Alarm System division. Fire departments from nearby counties were also assisting with the massive response.

As the fire entered its second hour at about 7 pm, firefighters still were trying to contain a blaze that continued to migrate because of the brisk winds. At 6:05 pm, roughly 25 minutes after the emergency dispatch, structures still were actively involved, and an aerial crane was attempting to douse the flames before heavy winds could spread the fire to nearby homes.

Matthew Kosch, vice president of Sonnenschein Groupe, who owns the resorts, said he still was requesting information. Kosch noted the villas affected are neither owned nor managed by the resort. They are privately owned. And, for now, as a precaution, the Grand Bear lodge and water park have been evacuated along with other villas.