GRAND MARAIS, MN — Newly reviewed court records in Cook County give a fuller picture of what investigators say Bryce Campbell told them after the February 2024 fire that destroyed Lutsen Resort. The documents include an interview transcript, fire reports and financial records tied to the case against the resort owner, who is accused of setting the blaze for insurance money.
According to the transcript, an investigator told Campbell he had been placed leaving the property just minutes before the first alarms. Campbell answered that such a timeline sounded “pretty crazy,” while continuing to deny that he started the fire.
Interview Details
The transcript shows a Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau agent pressing Campbell on how long he stayed at the resort and what he said happened that night. Campbell maintained he was there only briefly, while the investigator said evidence suggested a longer stop and a departure about two minutes before the fire took off.
After Campbell was arrested in Southfield, Michigan, on Dec. 3, he reportedly told Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents, “You just ruined my life.” The arrest came during a break in his third sworn interview with Auto-Owners Insurance, the company he is suing after it denied his $16.5 million claim.
The records also show Campbell explaining that he had first said he was at his condo in Two Harbors, then later acknowledged driving to the Grand Marais area for a personal encounter and stopping at the lodge on the way. He said he was not changing his story, only clarifying it and protecting private information.
Fire Findings And Evidence
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office listed the cause of the blaze as undetermined, even after at least 50 interviews and a review of several possible ignition sources. Investigators said a basement water heater could not be ruled out, but they also wrote that the timing of the owner’s presence in the building did not support an accidental electrical failure.
The report said cardboard and paper in the room could have ignited easily, and outside experts noted the bottom part of the basement was not damaged, suggesting the fire started higher up. Investigators also found a crescent wrench wedged under a boiler-room door and noted the sprinkler system did not activate.
Officials said a blue residue on the water heater had characteristics similar to a commercial fire gel, though they could not make a conclusive match. Campbell told investigators he believed the fire started in a crawl space and said some Swissmar product had been bought for fondue testing and stored in the restaurant area.
Court Fight Continues
The newly released material is only part of the larger court file. Prosecutors say another 344 exhibits remain sealed for now because they contain sensitive financial information and identifying details, and Judge Michelle Anderson plans a private review before deciding whether they stay confidential.
Campbell is also fighting the case with a motion to dismiss for lack of probable cause, and the defense has until Aug. 14 to file a brief supporting that request. The state’s response is due Sept. 11, with a written ruling expected later this fall and no trial date set yet.
Meanwhile, Campbell remains under supervised release, and his lawyer says he may seek to move any trial out of Cook County if the case goes forward because of heavy pretrial publicity.
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