Grand Bear Resort fire in Utica sees ‘large section’ of vacation homes burn on Memorial Day with smoke visible for miles

A FIRE is raging at Grand Bear Resort in Utica, where a ‘large section’ of vacation homes are burning on Memorial Day.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene just after 5.30pm local time.

A crane was being used to help contain the flames just after 6pm to avoid the fire spreading to nearby homes, according to Shaw Local.

The Utica Fire Department told ABC7 that about 10 structures are on fire and evacuations are underway.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known. No injuries have been reported.

Smoke can be seen billowing for miles as crews continue to battle the blaze.

WMBD Chief Meteorologist Chris Yates reports that the smoke from the blaze is showing up on the Chicago weather radar.

Weather conditions may be affecting the ability to contain the fire, according to reports.

Grand Bear Lodge is located in Utica near Starved Rock in rural Illinois.

In addition to guest rooms, the resort offers cabins and villas.

The vacation villas have two stories and luxury cabins have three.

The resort’s website indicated many of the rooms had been recently renovated.

The vacation villas caught in the blaze are not owned or operated by the resort, according to Vice President of Sonnenschein Groupe Matthew Kosch, which owns the resort. These villas are privately owned.

In addition to the guest rooms, cabins, and villas, the resort has a 24,000 square foot indoor water park, an arcade, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.