California State Parks sues alarm company for $38 million over Bidwell Mansion fire

The historic property was destroyed in a 2024 arson attack, and the state alleges the alarm company failed to properly monitor the mansion.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:21pm

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Less than two years after an arsonist set fire to the Bidwell Mansion in Chico, California, the state's parks department has filed a civil lawsuit against the alarm company it says failed to properly monitor the historic property, leading to the near-complete destruction of the mansion and its contents.

Why it matters

The Bidwell Mansion was a beloved 156-year-old Victorian architectural landmark in Chico, and its destruction was a major loss for the community. The lawsuit against the alarm company highlights the importance of proper security measures to protect historic sites, especially during renovations when they may be more vulnerable to attacks.

The details

According to the lawsuit, California State Parks alleges that Advantage Total Protection (ATP), the alarm company responsible for monitoring the mansion, failed to properly test the alarm system and ensure it would alert authorities in the event of a fire. The state says it was never informed that the alarm system was not functioning as required, leading to a delayed response and the near-total destruction of the property.

  • On December 11, 2024, an arsonist set fire to the Bidwell Mansion in the early morning hours.
  • In March 2026, California State Parks filed a civil lawsuit against Advantage Total Protection.
  • In 2024, 30-year-old Kevin Andrew Carlson pleaded no contest to felony arson and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

The players

California State Parks

The state agency responsible for managing and preserving California's state parks, including the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

Advantage Total Protection (ATP)

The alarm company that was contracted to monitor the Bidwell Mansion and alert authorities in the event of an emergency.

Kevin Andrew Carlson

The 30-year-old man who pleaded no contest to felony arson for setting the fire that destroyed the Bidwell Mansion in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“State Parks never had any indication that the fire alarm system would not work as designated in the event of a catastrophic fire. Because of these failures, fire authorities and State Parks were not timely notified of the arson at Bidwell Mansion in December 2024, leading to the nearly complete destruction of the historic property and the historic objects inside.”

— California State Parks

“We deny the allegations.”

— ATP representative

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow the $38 million lawsuit against Advantage Total Protection to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of reliable security and alarm systems, especially for historic properties undergoing renovations, to ensure timely emergency response and prevent catastrophic damage. It also underscores the need for thorough oversight and accountability of companies entrusted with protecting valuable public assets.