Fire destroys Chico's historic Bidwell Mansion early Wednesday ...

CHICO, Calif. — The community is mourning the loss of a historic 156-year-old mansion in Northern California destroyed by a fire early Wednesday morning.

The Bidwell Mansion, constructed between 1865 and 1868, off Esplanade in Chico, Calif., erupted in flames early Wednesday morning, Dec. 11, following reports of an illegal burn. According to the City of Chico Fire Department, they received a call regarding a possible illegal burn at 3:15 a.m. They said it was unclear if an illegal burn actually sparked the fire, however, they said it's possible the reporting party could have assumed that based on flames being seen.

Multiple local agencies, including the Chico Fire Department, Chico Police Department, Cal Fire, Chico State University Police, California State Parks, Butte EMS, Chico Public Works, PG&E and Cal Water, immediately responded to the reported fire. When they arrived, Chico Fire officials said they found the mansion engulfed in flames. They said firefighters had to take a defensive approach to the firefight, since they said the building was at risk of structure collapse.

RELATED: Chico State mourns loss of historic Bidwell Mansion destroyed in fire

The Chico Fire Department said investigators are looking into the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.

The California State University of Chico expressed their sadness for the historic building's loss and confirmed the campus would remain open with most classes and activities going on as scheduled. However, they said the Gateway Science Museum, Modoc Hall, Aymer J. Hamilton and the child development lab will be closed for the day.

RELATED: Chico Mayor reacts to destruction of historic Bidwell Mansion

City of Chico Mayor Kasey Reynolds reacted to the mansion's destruction. "Last night's fire at the Bidwell Mansion is a devestating loss for Chico," Reynolds told KRCR. "Our firefighters, whether on-duty of off, have their all in the face of this fire."

The city confirmed California State Parks has primary jurisdiction for the incident and Mayor Reynolds said the city is coordinating efforts with them. "The City of Chico Fire Marshall is working directly with State Parks and state investigators to determine the cause of the fire. As we recover from the loss of our iconic Bidwell Mansion, we'll continue to rely on the strength of our community to move forward."

Greg Scott, President Downtown Chico Business Association issued a statement, which said in part:

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bidwell Mansion, a treasured symbol of Northern California’s heritage, in this morning’s devastating fire. The destruction of such an irreplaceable historic site is a poignant reminder of the fragility of our shared history.

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