Bidwell Mansion arson suspect arrested

CHICO

Chico firefighters work to put out hot spots on Dec. 11 after the city’s historic Bidwell Mansion was set on fire. HECTOR AMEZCUA — THE SACRAMENTO BEE/TNS

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By Michael Weber

Chico Enterprise Record

CHICO >> A Chico man has been arrested in connection with the Bidwell Mansion fire.

Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of arson to a structure with use of an accelerant, according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.

The mansion fire on Dec. 11 was determined by Cal Fire on Dec. 17 to be caused by an intentional act of arson.

Ramsey said a warrant was obtained by a local judge and was served Thursday for Carlson’s arrest by officers with California State Parks, Cal Fire, Chico Police Department and Chico State Police Department

Carlson is currently being held without bail at Butte County Jail, Ramsey said.

According to Ramsey, Carlson was born and raised in Paradise, graduated from Paradise High School and was most recently a resident of Chico.

Ramsey did not disclose a suspected motive nor details on how the fire started.

A news conference scheduled Monday at the Butte County District Attorney’s Office will provide more details on the arrest and the investigation, Ramsey said.

Ramsey said he was “extraordinarily proud” of how government agencies worked together in the investigation. The agencies include the California Governor’s Office of the State Fire Marshall, California State Parks, Chico Police Department, Cal Fire-Butte County, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.