The arrest of a suspect in connection with the destructive fire that ravaged the historic Bidwell Mansion in Northern California has been announced by California State Parks. The fire took place in mid-December and caused significant damage to the iconic mansion.
On January 2, the state agency collaborated with other state and local law enforcement to apprehend the suspect, Kevin Alexander Carlson, aged 30.
According to a news release from California State Parks, Carlson has been charged with felony arson, as well as other charges. He has since been booked at the Butte County Jail.
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office in Oroville has announced that a news conference is set to take place on Monday.
On December 11, a devastating fire broke out in central Chico, nearly reducing the historic Bidwell Mansion to ashes. Fortunately, no other buildings were affected by the blaze.
According to state parks officials, CAL FIRE investigators concluded on December 17 that they discovered “clear indicators suggesting an intentional act…”
Following the fire, officials managed to salvage a portion of the original artifacts, although it is likely that numerous others were lost or harmed in the process.
State parks officials have engaged in discussions with various partners, including the city of Chico, CSU Chico, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, and the Bidwell Mansion Association, to determine the best course of action for the site.
In 1868, John Bidwell, the founder of Chico, completed the construction of his magnificent 26-room mansion.
