Fire causes significant damage to Governor's Mansion

Engineering and architectural experts have determined that the historic structure can be rebuilt. A temporary roof is likely to replace the existing roof, which nearly collapsed because of both the fire and the water used to extinguish the flames.

Gov. Rick Perry, who with his family had moved out of the mansion last fall to facilitate a $10 million renovation that would have included a sprinkler system, was on an economic development trip in Europe at the time of the fire. When he returned Wednesday, he held a press conference at the site to assure Texans, "We will rebuild this magnificent structure." He said first lady Anita Perry would likely play a major role in the public fundraising efforts.

Perry said he could not imagine what would motivate someone to try to destroy this piece of Texas history, but he pledged that they would be caught, and they would be prosecuted.

In a press conference the morning after the fire, Maldonado said the evidence at the scene "indicates this is an intentionally set fire," adding there was "no evidence of political motivation."

Since that time, questions have arisen regarding the security at the mansion, and some reports surfaced that not all of the surveillance cameras were operational at the time of the fire. Allan Polunsky, chair of the Public Safety Commission that oversees the Texas Department of Public Safety, has ordered an investigation of the security in place when the fire occurred.

Because of the renovations that were under way, all of the decorations, furnishings and paintings in the mansion had previously been put in storage.

The state carries no insurance on its buildings. However, Sen. Kim Brimer of Fort Worth, a member of the State Preservation Board that oversees all state facilities, said he is hopeful the building can be restored. "There's a lot of history in that old building that's too important to Texas to let go," he said.

Already, the Heritage Society of Austin has set up a special fund for public donations to help build the mansion. Contributions may be made to: Save the Mansion Fund, Heritage Society of Austin, PO Box 2113, Austin, TX 78768-2113.