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Chico’s historic Bidwell Mansion destroyed in fire

Bidwell Mansion was destroyed in a fire early Wednesday morning. That’s according to a campus-wide email from Chico State President Steve Perez.

“We are devastated to wake up to the heartbreaking news,” Perez wrote.

According to another email from the university’s police department, the fire started around 3:20 a.m. No other details were released. California State Parks and Cal Fire are investigating the fire.

The historic mansion, built in 1868, was the home of John and Annie Bidwell, who founded Chico. It had been undergoing exterior reconstruction and was closed to the public.

Officials are asking the public to avoid the area.

Chico State said the campus itself has not been impacted, though some buildings near Bidwell Mansion will be closed today. That includes Gateway Science Museum, Modoc Hall and Aymer J. Hamilton building, including the Child Development Lab in Aymer J. Hamilton.

Sarah has worked at North State Public Radio since 2015 and is currently the station’s Director of Operations. She’s responsible for the sound of the station and works to create the richest public radio experience possible for NSPR listeners.