Dupage Policy Journal

A total of four teenage boys ages 14 to 17 are now facing charges stemming from the investigation into a three-alarm fire at the former Pheasant Run resort in DuPage County on May 21. 

DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin announced in a July 27 press release the boys had been charged; two are accused of starting the fire while the other two are accused of trespassing at the former resort

"For days, one hundred and seven firefighters from twenty-six fire departments put their lives in danger to control and ultimately extinguish a massive fire that heavily damaged the former Pheasant Run resort in St. Charles," Berlin said in the release. "It is alleged that the actions of these juveniles progressed from misdemeanor trespassing and vandalism to much more serious and potentially deadly felony criminal charges. Thankfully, no one sustained serious injury while battling the fire allegedly set in this case."

According to the press release, an investigation by the St. Charles Police and Fire Departments, State Fire Marshall, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives found the four teenagers illegally entered the resort, two of whom lit papers on fire in two separate locations, sparking the fire. 

St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan credited the dedication of all investigators for solving the case and "holding those criminally responsible to answer for their conduct." The two juveniles accused of setting the fire are each facing felony charges of arson, burglary, and criminal damage to property plus a misdemeanor criminal trespass to a building charge, the release stated.

According to ABC 7 Chicago, the resort had closed in 2020.