The fire that destroyed the Bidwell Mansion in Chico last week was started intentionally by an arsonist, according to a team of investigators. That’s about all they’re saying, though. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, California State Parks official Aaron Wright was peppered with questions, but due to the nature of the ongoing investigation, the information he was willing to release was very limited. As to what will happen with the remains of the historic mansion, Wright says that is still to be determined. The iconic mansion, completed in 1868, was the home of Chico founders General John Bidwell and his wife Annie Bidwell. It was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire, but construction activities have apparently been ruled out as a cause.
– Kelly Frost