UTICA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- An investigation has determined that the wind-whipped fire that destroyed cabins at Grand Bear Resort near Starved Rock State Park last month was likely caused by an unattended charcoal grill.
It was known that the fire started on the porch of a cabin, but not the source.
The fire broke out on the evening of May 30. Utica’s Assistant Fire Chief Drew Partain on the day after.
"Basically what happened once that first building became fully involved with fire, it started throwing hot embers and ashes and all the buildings that were burned were directly north downwind."
28 units in seven cabins were incinerated. About 200 firefighters were brought in to tackle the fire and water had to be trucked in.
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