Wednesday, March 5, 2025
BIDWELL MANSION ARSONIST SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM PRISON TERM
We are relieved to announce that arsonist Kevin Andrew Carlson has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison for the devastating fire that destroyed Bidwell Mansion on December 11, 2024. In addition to the maximum prison sentence allowed by law, Carlson has been ordered to pay $37.4 million in restitution to California State Parks, with 10% interest accruing from the date of the fire. Carlson's probation report is public information and includes a letter to the judge explaining his actions.
This sentencing follows months of investigation and over 100 victim-impact statements submitted by residents, educators, and historians, all of which expressed the profound sense of loss felt by our community. During the sentencing, the BMA Board President had the opportunity to present BMA's victim-impact statement before the Court, ensuring that the voices of those affected were heard.
While this sentencing brings a measure of justice, it does not undo the loss of Bidwell Mansion or the invaluable history that was destroyed. The fire took more than just a building—it erased irreplaceable artifacts, severed a tangible link to our past, and left a lasting impact on our community.
Now, our focus shifts to the future. The Bidwell Mansion Association remains committed to advocating for the protection of our shared history and ensuring that the story of John and Annie Bidwell and the many communities connected to the Mansion continues to be told.
This sentencing follows months of investigation and over 100 victim-impact statements submitted by residents, educators, and historians, all of which expressed the profound sense of loss felt by our community. During the sentencing, the BMA Board President had the opportunity to present BMA's victim-impact statement before the Court, ensuring that the voices of those affected were heard.
While this sentencing brings a measure of justice, it does not undo the loss of Bidwell Mansion or the invaluable history that was destroyed. The fire took more than just a building—it erased irreplaceable artifacts, severed a tangible link to our past, and left a lasting impact on our community.
Now, our focus shifts to the future. The Bidwell Mansion Association remains committed to advocating for the protection of our shared history and ensuring that the story of John and Annie Bidwell and the many communities connected to the Mansion continues to be told.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Submit a Victim-Impact Statement
We need your voice.
The arson attack on Bidwell Mansion on December 11, 2024, was more than the loss of a historic landmark—it was a devastating blow to our community, our history, and the legacy of the Bidwells. Now that the individual responsible has entered a plea of No Contest, we have an opportunity to ensure the court understands the true impact of this crime.
How You Can Help:
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office is accepting victim-impact statements to be included in the probation report before sentencing. These statements will help the judge recognize the profound loss this crime has caused—not just to a building, but to the generations who have cherished it.
We invite you to submit your own victim-impact statement by Friday, February 28, 2025, on how the loss of the mansion has affected you and our community. These statements can be emailed directly to [email protected].
Your voice matters. Let’s make sure Bidwell Mansion’s legacy is not forgotten and that our community’s loss is fully acknowledged.
The arson attack on Bidwell Mansion on December 11, 2024, was more than the loss of a historic landmark—it was a devastating blow to our community, our history, and the legacy of the Bidwells. Now that the individual responsible has entered a plea of No Contest, we have an opportunity to ensure the court understands the true impact of this crime.
How You Can Help:
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office is accepting victim-impact statements to be included in the probation report before sentencing. These statements will help the judge recognize the profound loss this crime has caused—not just to a building, but to the generations who have cherished it.
We invite you to submit your own victim-impact statement by Friday, February 28, 2025, on how the loss of the mansion has affected you and our community. These statements can be emailed directly to [email protected].
Your voice matters. Let’s make sure Bidwell Mansion’s legacy is not forgotten and that our community’s loss is fully acknowledged.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Justice for Bidwell Mansion: Arsonist Pleads
No Contest
The man responsible for the devastating fire that destroyed Bidwell Mansion has admitted his guilt. Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, of Chico, appeared in Butte County Superior Court, where he pleaded No Contest to felony arson with the use of an accelerant. He now faces up to 11 years in state prison, with sentencing set for March 5, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Read the press release from the DA's office for more information.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of December 11, 2024, was first detected by Chico State University surveillance cameras. Investigators later determined it was intentionally set using gasoline. A dedicated task force—including law enforcement, fire investigators, and the FBI—worked tirelessly to identify Carlson as the suspect. Surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and Carlson’s own purchases in the days leading up to the fire all pointed to his involvement.
But this crime was more than just arson—it was an attack on a piece of our shared history. Bidwell Mansion was not just a structure; it was a symbol of our community’s past and a space for education and conversation. The loss is deeply felt, and now, as Carlson awaits sentencing, the community has an opportunity to make their voices heard.
Share Your Voice: The Butte County District Attorney’s Office is collecting victim-impact statements to be included in the probation report before sentencing. If Bidwell Mansion held meaning for you, we encourage you to share how its loss has affected you. Statements must be submitted by February 28, 2025, to: [email protected]
Let’s ensure that the gravity of this crime is fully recognized.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of December 11, 2024, was first detected by Chico State University surveillance cameras. Investigators later determined it was intentionally set using gasoline. A dedicated task force—including law enforcement, fire investigators, and the FBI—worked tirelessly to identify Carlson as the suspect. Surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and Carlson’s own purchases in the days leading up to the fire all pointed to his involvement.
But this crime was more than just arson—it was an attack on a piece of our shared history. Bidwell Mansion was not just a structure; it was a symbol of our community’s past and a space for education and conversation. The loss is deeply felt, and now, as Carlson awaits sentencing, the community has an opportunity to make their voices heard.
Share Your Voice: The Butte County District Attorney’s Office is collecting victim-impact statements to be included in the probation report before sentencing. If Bidwell Mansion held meaning for you, we encourage you to share how its loss has affected you. Statements must be submitted by February 28, 2025, to: [email protected]
Let’s ensure that the gravity of this crime is fully recognized.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Press Conference recording
Friday, January 3, 2025
Arson suspect in custody!
We are relieved to announce that an arrest has been made in connection with the devastating fire that destroyed the historic Bidwell Mansion on December 11, 2024.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of Cal Fire, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and State Parks investigators, the suspect, identified as Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, of Chico, was taken into custody on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and booked at the Butte County Jail on multiple charges, including Penal Code 451(c) Arson.
While the investigation remains ongoing, this significant development is a step toward justice for the loss of our cherished landmark. We are grateful for the tireless work of the investigators and all involved in bringing this case to this point.
For more information, please see the California State Parks news release.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of Cal Fire, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and State Parks investigators, the suspect, identified as Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, of Chico, was taken into custody on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and booked at the Butte County Jail on multiple charges, including Penal Code 451(c) Arson.
While the investigation remains ongoing, this significant development is a step toward justice for the loss of our cherished landmark. We are grateful for the tireless work of the investigators and all involved in bringing this case to this point.
For more information, please see the California State Parks news release.
wednesday, december 11, 2024
We are heartbROken over the loss of the
bidwell mansion
(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, our community experienced a profound loss with a devastating fire at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Despite the swift and diligent response of fire crews, the mansion could not be saved. Cal Fire, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and State Parks have determined that the fire was the result of arson, though the investigation is still ongoing. At this time, a suspect is in custody and has been arraigned. Structural evaluation of the mansion is still in process, as well as artifact recovery. |
Thankfully, the visitor center, architect’s house, and carriage house were not damaged, though they remain closed. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. If you, or someone you know, have any photos or videos from the fire that may assist investigators, please use the QR code below to upload and submit them to CAL Fire.
As the Board of Directors of the Bidwell Mansion Association, we are heartbroken by the destruction of this historic landmark, a treasured symbol of our community and a cornerstone of California’s history.
Bidwell Mansion has been a place of learning, inspiration, and connection for generations, and its loss is profound. While we grieve this tragedy, we are also committed to finding hope in the days ahead.
We will work closely with State Parks and local authorities as they investigate the fire's cause and assess the damage's extent. As plans to move forward are developed, we will share updates and ways the community can support the mansion's legacy.
If anyone comes across any artifacts, documents, or remnants from the fire, please contact State Parks at 530-922-0934. Recovering even small pieces of the mansion's story is vital to preserving its history.
While the loss is devastating, we have hope that from this tragedy, we can find an opportunity to honor the spirit of resilience, innovation, and community that the Bidwells embodied. Thank you for your support during this challenging time. Together, we will find a way to honor the memory of Bidwell Mansion and ensure its legacy endures.
For more information, please see the California State Parks news release.
As the Board of Directors of the Bidwell Mansion Association, we are heartbroken by the destruction of this historic landmark, a treasured symbol of our community and a cornerstone of California’s history.
Bidwell Mansion has been a place of learning, inspiration, and connection for generations, and its loss is profound. While we grieve this tragedy, we are also committed to finding hope in the days ahead.
We will work closely with State Parks and local authorities as they investigate the fire's cause and assess the damage's extent. As plans to move forward are developed, we will share updates and ways the community can support the mansion's legacy.
If anyone comes across any artifacts, documents, or remnants from the fire, please contact State Parks at 530-922-0934. Recovering even small pieces of the mansion's story is vital to preserving its history.
While the loss is devastating, we have hope that from this tragedy, we can find an opportunity to honor the spirit of resilience, innovation, and community that the Bidwells embodied. Thank you for your support during this challenging time. Together, we will find a way to honor the memory of Bidwell Mansion and ensure its legacy endures.
For more information, please see the California State Parks news release.
(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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(Matt Bates/University Photographer/Chico State)
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If you, or someone you know, have any photos or videos from the fire that may assist investigators, please use the QR code below to upload and submit them to CAL Fire. |
