Burlington people were saddened by the fire of the historical mansion, the owner was arrested

BURLINGTON, Wis. – There was no shortage of visitors to see what remained of a still-smoldering building on Kane Street in Burlington Saturday afternoon.

The historic Meinhardt mansion was destroyed by fire Friday morning, leaving community members shocked and devastated by the loss.

“You know, it’s very sad,” said area neighbor Mark Leemkuil. “It’s so sad to think about what was there before and how they’re going to have to tear it down now.”

Tahleel Mohieldin

Leemkuil said he woke up to the sound of sirens early Friday morning as Burlington Fire tried to put out the flames.

Seeing the building with extensive damage was hard to understand for people like Lynn Grieve.

Grieve was born and raised in Burlington, and said locals in almost every area have a memory connected to the mansion.

“We’re all committed to it,” he said. “You know, it’s a gorgeous house, it’s beautiful inside and out.”

Tahleel Mohieldin

In a press release, Burlington police said they were still investigating the cause of the fire.

On Saturday, they announced the arrest of the homeowner, who could face four charges, including “Unsafely Burning Own Premises” and “Resisting or Obstructing Officer.”

“It’s actually a monument,” Grieve said. “I was here last week admiring the Halloween decorations they had prepared and a week later poof!

The mansion no longer stands out with its beauty, but with its charred ruins. Only memories of the house’s former glory remained in society.