Massive fire breaks out at Grand Bear Resort in Utica, damages at least 20 private cabins

Several cabins and villas were destroyed in a massive fire at Grand Bear resort near Starved Rock, Utica, Illinois officials reported.

During the overnight hours, firefighters worked at Grand Bear Resort put out any hot spots. After Tuesday morning, the fire did not appear to pose a threat, but the damage it caused is significant.

According to the Utica Fire Department, it got a call reporting a porch fire at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Monday.


In less than an hour, it spread to 20 private villas and cabins. Officials said the fire had spread to 20 private cabins and villas by approximately 8.15 PM. There was no fire in the resort's hotel or water park; it was contained to the cabins and villas.

Mike Paitipilo is an owner of a unit there which was untouched by the fire. He said that when he went back there, there was no power and hence he used the flashlight on his phone in order to go inside the unit and get his things.

ABC's Doppler7Max weather radar showed smoke from the fire.

According to the fire department, the fire had been put out by 9:10 p.m. on Sunday.

There are multiple buildings at Grand Bear Resort, including a 24,000-square-foot indoor water park, villas, a grand lodge, and cabins for people to stay in, and bars and restaurants.

This is not the first time there has been a fire at the resort. The resort had caught fire in January 2018 which had caused considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated by officials. About 20 fire departments assisted on the scene.