by Leslie Layton
posted Jan. 3
A Chico man, Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, was jailed Jan. 2 in connection with the fire that virtually destroyed the city’s Bidwell Mansion. Carlson faces arraignment on what are likely to be felony arson charges at 3 p.m. Jan. 6.
A California State Parks press release issued today said Carlson was arrested Jan. 2. “CAL FIRE investigators found clear indicators pointing to an intentional act and on Dec. 17, determined the cause to be arson,” the statement says in reference to the Dec. 11 early morning fire.
No other information on Carlson was provided, but the press release notes that Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park remains closed to the public, and the 26-room Mansion, which was completed in 1868, was undergoing renovation.