By HOI ABC
UTICA – Damage to cabins at Grand Bear Resort near Starved Rock in Utica is estimated at $4 million.
61 fire agencies used around five million gallons of water to put out the fire at the resort Monday night that destroyed around a third of the cabins. All of that water had to be brought in as there are no hydrants in the area.
Utica Fire Chief Ben Brown says firefighters received a call for a porch fire at one of the cabins. Later, agencies were advised that not only was that unit engulfed, but 30-40 mph winds caused the fire to spread to two other units.
The fire destroyed seven cabins – a total of 28 units.
Seven vehicles were also destroyed.
Several families had permanent residences here and lost everything in the fire.
Chief Brown says no one was injured and pets made it out safely.
He also said that despite the extent of the damage, they were fortunate.
The fire marshal and ATF are investigating the cause of the blaze but are already saying there was no malicious intent.
Grand Bear Resort said on Facebook that the main lodge, waterpark and food & beverage as well as a majority of the cabins and villas remain unaffected.
The waterpark will not be open today but they expect to resume operations within 24 hours.
Grand Bear Resort also encourages those who wish to help or contribute to those displaced by the fire to contact the Red Cross of Illinois Valley.
