A catastrophic fire ravaged the iconic Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in Chico, California early Wednesday morning, destroying the 19th-century Victorian landmark that stood as a symbol of the city's rich heritage.
Fire crews responded to reports of an illegal burn around 3:30 a.m., only to discover the three-story mansion completely engulfed in flames. Due to severe structural instability and extensive damage to the ceilings and floors, firefighters were forced to battle the blaze from outside the building.
"A good portion of the ceiling and the floors have burned. It's not a stable structure at the moment," said Deputy Fire Chief Chris Zinko. While the cause remains under investigation, authorities are reviewing video footage showing an individual leaving the mansion area around the time the fire started.
Built in 1868 by Chico founder John Bidwell, the 26-room Victorian masterpiece was valued at $60,000 during construction and featured modern amenities like plumbing, gas lighting, and water systems. The mansion welcomed notable guests including President Rutherford B. Hayes, Susan B. Anthony, and General William Sherman. It also served as a filming location for the 1934 film "The Thin Man."
The building held special significance for California State University, Chico, having served as a dormitory and classroom space in the early 20th century. At the time of the fire, the mansion was temporarily closed for renovations scheduled to be completed by year's end.
Chico Mayor Kasey Reynolds expressed the community's collective grief: "As we recover from the loss of our iconic Bidwell Mansion, we'll continue to rely on the strength of our community to move forward."
The fire's impact has led to temporary closures of nearby facilities, including the Gateway Science Museum and several university buildings, though the main campus remains open for regular activities.
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