By HOI ABC
UTICA – Several cabins are a loss after fire tore through buildings at Grand Bear Resort near Starved Rock State Park.
The flames grew quickly because of heavy winds. A plume of smoke could be seen 20 miles away. Authorities say no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Reporter Jenise Rebholz said she saw families devastated as they lost their homes, not just a weekend getaway space.
The fire started behind the lodge at the cabins.
Members of one family told Rebholz they saw white smoke before they ran outside and watched their home burn, including all of their belongings.
A woman was seen grabbing her cats and putting them in her car.
“We had heavy wind conditions from the south that we fought during the operation,” said Drew Partain, Utica’s assistant fire chief.
“Right now at this time we have 7 cabins that we’ve lost completely. No other buildings have been damaged,” Partain said.
Fire crews plan to stay on the scene all night putting out hot spots while heavy winds continue.
The American Red Cross was on the scene to assist those affected by the fire.
