AN EARLY MORNING FIRE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS, HEAVILY DAMAGED the state Governor’s Mansion today.

AP/Cabluck photo

The building was undergoing an 18-month $10 million renovation and the governor was not living in it.  The state Fire Marshal has already stated that they have physical evidence that indicates the fire was probably set.  His office has brought in the ATF task force team for assistance in the investigation.

The fire alarm came in at 1:45 am and eventually brought over 100 firefighters to the scene.  Battalion Chief Buck Palmer told KXAN Austin News that “our first units arrived to find heavy fire coming from the front porch… the first alarm companies, encountered heavy fire in both the second story and the second story veranda.  They pulled back out and at one point had a small collapse, went to a second alarm, third alarm, now we’re at a fourth alarm (and) the fire is being fought defensively.”

AP/Cabluck photo

Interior operations were also hampered by a large amount of construction equipment throughout the house and many voids that are the result of 150 years of changes.

Fortunately, all of the furniture and artwork were removed and placed into storage before renovations began.  The building has an alarm system and part of this current renovation included plans to install a fire suppression system within the building. 

The Texas Governor’s Mansion was built in 1854 to 1856 and is the nation’s fourth-oldest governor’s home that has been continuously occupied by the chief executive.  After its only heretofore renovation in 1914, it contains 25 rooms and 7 baths in 8,900 sq. ft.

Texas Governor’s Mansion in 2006
photo by Larry D. Moore

KXAN-TV has the story on this fire HERE.

Ch. 7, KTBC has a good video report:

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