CHICO – Around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, a fire broke out at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park and severely damaged the mansion. Chico Fire Department responded and worked to save what remains of the historic building. The incident is under investigation and California State Parks is working with allied agencies, including CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshall, Chico Fire Department, Chico Police Department, and California State University, Chico. The park is closed, and State Parks is securing the site and assessing the damage, which was contained to the mansion. The surrounding buildings remain intact.

"This is a devastating loss for California State Parks, for the Chico community, and all who cherish the history embodied by the Bidwell Mansion. For over a century, this beloved landmark has stood as a testament to the legacy of John and Annie Bidwell and the community they helped shape. To see it so severely damaged is a profound loss that we all feel deeply," said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. "Our immense gratitude goes to the Chico Fire Department, CSU Chico Police and all allied agencies who responded swiftly to contain the fire and protect the surrounding buildings. I also want to acknowledge the State Parks team — our employees, volunteers, and partners — who have poured their dedication and care into preserving and interpreting this site. This loss is deeply personal to them, and we stand with them in this moment of grief. While it’s too early to discuss the future of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, we are resolute in our dedication to preserving California’s history. To the Chico and North State communities and beyond, thank you for your support and patience as we move forward together in the wake of this tragedy."

Completed in 1868, the 26-room mansion was undergoing an extensive renovation that was nearly complete. Some original artifacts were removed during construction, though some items remained in the building. State Parks will take a full inventory of artifacts once what remains of the building is safe to enter. It’s too early to discuss future plans for the state historic park.

The Bidwell Mansion is a symbol of the city of Chico and a point of pride for the local community. State Parks is grateful for the support from allied agencies and the community in responding to this tragedy.

Please contact the Northern Buttes District Office at 530-538-2200 if you locate any items or have any information that can help with this investigation.

UPDATE: Dec. 14, 2024
California State Parks brought in an excavator to Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park on Saturday, Dec. 14 to help facilitate the ongoing investigation into the cause of the Dec. 11 fire that severely damaged the historic mansion. The excavator removed destroyed components of the building to allow investigators greater access to the interior as they continue their investigation.

It remains too early to discuss the future of the state historic park. California State Parks is grateful for the allied agencies responding to this incident and the outpouring of community support as we collectively grieve the loss of this historic landmark.

UPDATE: Dec. 17, 2024
After reviewing the evidence at the scene, CAL FIRE investigators on Tuesday, Dec. 17 determined the cause of the December 11 fire at Bidwell Mansion to be arson. Investigators found clear indicators pointing to an intentional act and can confidently rule out an accidental blaze. California State Parks is working with CAL FIRE and our allied agencies to identify the person or people responsible for the arson. That portion of the investigation continues, and we have no further information to provide on the investigation at this time. We will continue to provide updates as needed.