CHICO - California State Parks is beginning the cleanup phase at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Starting this week, a contractor will clear debris around the historic mansion that was severely damaged in an arson fire on Dec. 11, 2024. Work will include removing all fire-damaged debris around the perimeter of the main historic brick structure. There will not be any demolition work on the building structure or debris cleanup inside the building. Workers will be monitoring for hazardous materials and air quality, and protecting what remains of the structure, originally completed in 1868. State Parks anticipates the cleanup will take approximately three weeks.

The future for the state historic park has not been determined. However, this cleanup work will allow the structural and cultural assessments that are critical to informing the next steps for planning and recovery. State Parks is preparing a public and stakeholder engagement process, including tribal input, that will be announced later this summer to assist in planning the state historic park’s recovery. This recovery planning effort will happen concurrently with cleanup and assessment activities.

State Parks thanks the public for its continued support of this beloved Victorian home that was a symbol to the city of Chico and a point of pride for the local community.