Judge denies motion to dismiss charges in Lutsen Resort fire case

A Cook County District Court judge has denied a motion to dismiss criminal charges against the former owner of Lutsen Resort in connection with the February 2024 fire that destroyed the historic property.

In an order filed Nov. 8, Judge Michelle Anderson found sufficient probable cause for the case against Bryce Campbell to proceed to trial. Campbell is charged with three counts of first-degree arson and one count of insurance fraud. The charges stem from allegations that Campbell intentionally set the fire and made false representations in connection with an insurance claim.

Bryce Campbell – former owner of Lutsen Resort | Photo Minnesota DPS

Earlier this summer, in June, Campbell’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss the charges for lack of probable cause. Campbell’s attorney had argued there was insufficient evidence to establish that the fire was intentionally set, pointing to the investigators’ inability to definitively determine its cause and the possibility of an accidental ignition.

In her decision, Judge Anderson reviewed evidence presented by prosecutors, including Campbell’s financial circumstances, his movements at the resort shortly before the fire, and findings from the fire investigation.

The judge cited evidence that Campbell and his corporate entities were facing civil lawsuits at the time of the fire. In the order, she noted that prosecutors had presented evidence of a potential financial motive to set the fire and collect insurance proceeds.

The court also considered evidence that Campbell entered the resort shortly before the fire was discovered, spent time in the area where investigators determined the fire originated, and left shortly before smoke was reported in the lobby.

Investigators also found a wrench beneath the door of a stairway leading from the lobby area. The court noted that the wrench was positioned in a way that could prevent the door from opening. Investigators also found unidentified residue on top of one of the water heaters. Anderson noted that later testing indicated Swissmar Fire Gel could possibly have been used as an accelerant. Campbell had searched for the product online, and it had been in the building two weeks before the fire.

The exact cause of the fire could not be determined. Campbell argued that an accidental electrical failure could not be ruled out, and the judge noted that the water heater could not be eliminated as a potential ignition source.

Anderson said the court must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the State when considering a motion to dismiss for lack of probable cause. She also wrote that she was not the ultimate factfinder and that a jury would determine witness credibility and the weight of the evidence at trial.

The court will hold a scheduling conference to establish the next steps in the case, including pretrial proceedings and a trial date. The scheduling conference is set for Nov. 30.

Kalli Hawkins November 11, 2026