The owner of a mansion in Burlington, Wisconsin, was arrested and charged on Friday after a major fire destroyed the historic Meinhardt Mansion.
In a Friday press release, the Burlington Police Department said the Burlington Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the 200 block of South Kane Street at roughly 3:22 a.m. on Friday.
“The City of Burlington Fire Department arrived on scene at 03:25 AM to find a three-story home with heavy flames. MABAS alarm 920-01 was requested at 3:33 AM to the 5th level,” the press release stated. “Initial engine crews arrived and started a defensive attack on the structure. Additional crews arrived and assisted in the defensive attack until the fire was extinguished.”
According to CBS 58, the historic Meinhardt Mansion, which was built in 1883, was sold to Robert Staton in July.
In Friday’s press release, the Burlington Police Department announced that Staton faces charges for unsafe burning of his own building, the negligent handling of burning materials, resisting or obstructing an officer, and felony bail jumping.
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The Burlington Police Department noted that Staton was being held in custody at the Racine County Jail on $15,800 bond. The police department also confirmed that Friday’s mansion fire remained “under investigation.”
On Saturday, the Burlington Fire Department released an update on Facebook, thanking the public for their “concern” with the mansion fire. Fire officials said the department was “aware there is still some smoke coming from the home” and that officials were “assessing the property multiple times a day.”
“We are in contact with Dispatch and P.D, due to the damage in the home we cannot safely access the location of where the smoke is coming from,” the Burlington Fire Department added. “The building will continue to smoke for the next couple of days. We would like to assure everyone in the community we will continue to monitor the property, and handle any issues. Please stay outside of the orange fenced area, the property is unsafe, and dangerous.”
A picture of the damage caused by the fire at the historic Meinhardt Mansion was shared Monday on X, formerly Twitter.
