Renowned for its pink plaster exterior and cutting-edge amenities for the 19th century—plumbing, gas lighting, and running water—the property became a California Historical Landmark in 1939 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1964, it had operated as a California state park, attracting thousands of visitors annually.At the time of the fire, the mansion was closed for a $2.3 million renovation scheduled for completion in March 2025.Firefighters Respond to Intense Blaze
Chico Fire Battalion Chief Jim Lucanic revealed that the initial call reported a small fire near the property. However, en route, firefighters received updates of a full-scale blaze. "When the first engine arrived, the structure was fully involved," said Lucanic. Crews immediately escalated the response, deploying five engines, a truck company, a battalion chief, a medic, and volunteer firefighters.Defensive firefighting measures were adopted as the building’s condition deteriorated rapidly. “One of the towers collapsed minutes after we arrived, followed by the top floor,” Lucanic recounted. “We shifted to defensive operations to protect surrounding areas and ensure the fire didn’t spread.”The mansion’s age and materials fueled the fire’s rapid escalation. “Older construction burns differently, and this one went up fast,” Lucanic noted. Flames were visible from the highway as firefighters approached the scene.A Loss for Chico
The destruction of Bidwell Mansion marks a tragic loss for Chico. “It’s probably the most important landmark in the city,” said Lucanic. “Hearing the decision to go defensive was heartbreaking because it meant we’d lost the building.”John Bidwell, the mansion’s namesake, played a pivotal yet controversial role in California history. A prominent political figure and military veteran, Bidwell founded Chico but faced criticism for his treatment of Indigenous communities, as documented by historian Michael Magliari.Investigation and Impact
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Several nearby buildings at Chico State University were closed as a precaution, though campus operations otherwise continued. Students and staff were advised to monitor updates via email.The loss of Bidwell Mansion leaves a void in Chico’s cultural landscape, erasing a tangible connection to its rich and complex past.
Chico Fire Battalion Chief Jim Lucanic revealed that the initial call reported a small fire near the property. However, en route, firefighters received updates of a full-scale blaze. "When the first engine arrived, the structure was fully involved," said Lucanic. Crews immediately escalated the response, deploying five engines, a truck company, a battalion chief, a medic, and volunteer firefighters.Defensive firefighting measures were adopted as the building’s condition deteriorated rapidly. “One of the towers collapsed minutes after we arrived, followed by the top floor,” Lucanic recounted. “We shifted to defensive operations to protect surrounding areas and ensure the fire didn’t spread.”The mansion’s age and materials fueled the fire’s rapid escalation. “Older construction burns differently, and this one went up fast,” Lucanic noted. Flames were visible from the highway as firefighters approached the scene.A Loss for Chico
The destruction of Bidwell Mansion marks a tragic loss for Chico. “It’s probably the most important landmark in the city,” said Lucanic. “Hearing the decision to go defensive was heartbreaking because it meant we’d lost the building.”John Bidwell, the mansion’s namesake, played a pivotal yet controversial role in California history. A prominent political figure and military veteran, Bidwell founded Chico but faced criticism for his treatment of Indigenous communities, as documented by historian Michael Magliari.Investigation and Impact
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Several nearby buildings at Chico State University were closed as a precaution, though campus operations otherwise continued. Students and staff were advised to monitor updates via email.The loss of Bidwell Mansion leaves a void in Chico’s cultural landscape, erasing a tangible connection to its rich and complex past.
