Starved Rock fire at Grand Bear Resort likely caused by grill left on porch, investigators say
7 cabin building were destroyed in the multi-day blaze
UTICA, Ill. (WLS) -- A massive fire destroyed 28 private cabins at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock in Utica last month.
Now, investigators said they believe the blaze was likely caused by a charcoal grill that was left unattended on a porch.
Fire not believed to be suspicious, fire officials say
The Utica Fire Department said it received a call about a porch fire at about 5:20 p.m. May 30.
Chopper 7HD video shows aftermath from massive blaze
The fire quickly spread to multiple buildings. At a press conference the following day, officials said seven cabin buildings were lost, with each building having four units. The fire was contained to the cabin and villa section of the resort, not the actual hotel and waterpark.
The wind played a huge role in the spread of the flames, officials said.
WATCH: Social media video shows massive fire at Grand Bear Resort
"And all those embers were landing on all the other buildings and that's what caused it so quickly to have all those on fire," said Utica Assistant Fire Chief Drew Partain.
The fire was large enough that smoke from it was visible on ABC's Doppler7Max weather radar.
The fire broke out two weeks ago and burned for more than a day. More than 60 fire departments and around 200 firefighters responded to the fire.
Owners and residents are all grateful no one was hurt.
Grand Bear Resort covers a large amount of space and is comprised of multiple structures, including a 24,000 square foot indoor water park, grand lodge, villas and cabins for people to stay in, and bars and restaurants.
WATCH: Fire crews battle blaze at Grand Bear Resort
This is not the first fire at the resort. In January 2018 a fire at Grand Bear also caused significant damage.
