Arson suspected in Texas governor's mansion fire

AUSTIN, Texas — Arson is suspected in the fire that struck the historic Texas Governor's Mansion early Sunday, causing damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic," the state fire marshal said.

No one was inside the 152-year-old mansion at the time, said Robert Black, a spokesman for Gov. Rick Perry. The mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation, and Perry and his wife, Anita, had moved out last fall.

"We have some evidence that indicates that we do have an intentionally set fire," said state Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado. "So we believe that we may be looking at a criminal act here."

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was sending in a team to help investigate, Maldonado said. He did not give details on how the fire may have been set or whether there was a suspect, but said there were security cameras on the premises.

State officials said they hoped the Greek Revival-style mansion had not been destroyed, but the damage clearly was extensive.

"It is bordering on catastrophic. The roof has not yet collapsed. The structure is still intact," said Allison Castle, a Perry spokeswoman.

However, the roof had buckled in places and the building was blackened, including parts of the six 29-foot columns standing at the front. In some places, white paint had burned away to reveal the original color of the brick.

"They built them pretty sturdy back then," Black said. "Nonetheless, it's taken quite a beating this morning."

Black said some interior ornamentation was damaged beyond repair. Two white front porch swings appeared to be unscathed.

The mansion is a national historic landmark. Built in 1856, it is the oldest continually used executive residence west of the Mississippi, according to the group Friends of the Governor's Mansion, which works to preserve and show the public the historic building.

About 100 firefighters were sent to the four-alarm blaze, Fire Department spokeswoman Dawn Clopton said. Small hot spots were still being extinguished more than five hours later.

A state trooper who was on the grounds as part of regular security detail heard the mansion's fire alarm, saw flames and called the fire department, said Tela Mange, spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Public Safety.