Burdell Mansion at Rancho Olompali destroyed by fire

KRON-TV news footage from Feburary 3 1969 with reporter Ed Hart featuring scenes from the Burdell Mansion at Rancho Olompali, just north of Novato in Marin County. This structure was destroyed by a fire which broke out in the early hours of Sunday 2 February, forcing all 20 residents of the Chosen Family commune, led by Donald McCoy, to flee the building. It should be noted that Novato District Fire Chief George Cavallero died in his vehicle while responding to this incident. Includes silent views of the wreckage, with shots of a man (possibly McCoy, TBC) and some children inspecting the debris and also a summary of what happened by Hart. Opening graphic designed by Carrie Hawks.

A more detailed article about this incident can be read on the website of Marin County Fire History.

Note: this film reversal print was re-transferred in 4K (4096 x 2970) using our Lasergraphics ScanStation film scanner, in March 2021.