Mysterious Fire Engulfs Palisades Mansion; Prominent Businesswoman Missing

Disaster / Destruction

A fire engulfed the Palisades mansion of Margaret Valmont, a prominent philanthropist, leaving her missing and raising suspicions about her whereabouts. Authorities are investigating the cause, but no leads or witnesses have surfaced as of yet.

Mysterious Fire Engulfs Palisades Mansion; Prominent Businesswoman Missing   White Crest, OR – A fire ravaged a historic Victorian mansion in the upscale Palisades district late last night, leaving authorities scrambling for answers. The mansion, owned by Margaret Valmont, a well-known philanthropist and art collector, was completely consumed by flames. Valmont, celebrated for her contributions to the local arts scene and her charity work in restoring historic properties, is currently unaccounted for.   Valmont was last seen two days prior, according to neighbors, and her sudden disappearance amid the blaze has raised concerns. White Crest fire officials were on the scene within minutes, but the intensity of the fire left little standing by the time it was extinguished. No bodies have been recovered so far, but a search of the property continues.   Local authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, though no witnesses have come forward. Investigators are calling on anyone with information to come forward, as the incident has sparked a wave of rumors given Valmont's extensive network of contacts within White Crest's elite.   Further developments are expected as the investigation continues.