**Investigation into the Fire at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Leads to Arrest of Suspicious Individual**
The historic Bidwell Mansion, an iconic landmark in Chico and the former home of the city’s founder, John Bidwell, suffered a devastating fire in December 2022. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of December 11, was subsequently determined to be the result of arson by investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Now, a 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
**Arrest and Charges**
Kevin Alexander Carlson, a resident of Chico, was taken into custody by California State Parks officials on Thursday. Preliminary charges against him include one count of felony intentional arson with an aggravated charge of using an accelerant, according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey. Carlson is being held without bail at the Butte County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, where more details on the charges will be disclosed.
The investigation into the fire was a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, including the California State Parks, Cal Fire, Chico Police Department, Cal State Chico Police Department, Butte County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI. Ramsey stated that Carlson could face 2 to 11 years in prison if convicted.
**Background on the Bidwell Mansion**
The Bidwell Mansion is a 26-room structure completed in 1868 and served as the home of John and Annie Bidwell. The property was undergoing extensive restoration at the time of the fire and was nearly complete. The historic mansion is a significant part of the city’s heritage, and its future is now uncertain in the wake of the devastating fire.
California State Parks is working in conjunction with a coalition of community partners, including the City of Chico, Cal State Chico, Mechoopda Indian Tribe, and the Bidwell Mansion Association, to determine the next steps for the property. The organization is also evaluating the remaining structure to determine its potential impact on the building’s designation as a California Historic Landmark or inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
**Concerns about the Fire and its Consequences**
The fire at the Bidwell Mansion has left the community shaken, with many expressing their concern about the potential loss of this beloved landmark. In response to the incident, State Parks Director Armando Quintero released a statement expressing the organization’s sadness at seeing the structure damaged so badly. “For more than a century, this beloved landmark has been shaped by John and Anne Bidwell and the people they helped shape – a testament to the community’s heritage,” he said.
**FAQs**
Q: When did the fire break out at the Bidwell Mansion?
A: The fire occurred on December 11, 2022, around 3 a.m.
Q: What was the probable cause of the fire?
A: The investigation determined that the fire was intentionally set and that an accelerant was used.
Q: Who has been arrested in connection with the fire?
A: Kevin Alexander Carlson, a 30-year-old Chico resident, has been arrested.
Q: What are the possible consequences if Carlson is convicted?
A: Carlson could face 2 to 11 years in prison.
**Conclusion**
The fire at the historic Bidwell Mansion has sent shockwaves through the community, and the arrest of a suspect is a significant step in the investigation. As the case unfolds, many will be watching with bated breath to see the outcome. The future of the mansion is uncertain, and the impact of the fire on its historic designations has yet to be determined. One thing is certain, however, the Bidwell Mansion holds a special place in the hearts of those who live in and around Chico, and its loss would be a devastating blow to the community’s heritage.
