Spahn Ranch Fire Caused by Faulty Electrical Wiring
Thursday, December 18th, 1969
CHATSWORTH, Dec. 18 – Sheriff’s deputies today had stated the early morning fire at the Spahn movie ranch on Tuesday was caused by faulty electrical wiring.
A 30-foot aluminum trailer at the ranch, made famous by a cult linked with the Tate and Labianca murders, caught fire causing an estimated $1000 damage.
The blaze was discovered by Sharon G. Rayfield 18, who was sleeping in the trailer.
The girl, awakened by smoke, told firemen she first tried to put out the flames, but called the blind ranch owner, George C Spahn when she failed.
Deputies said there was an arson threat made against the ranch two years ago, but added it was not involved with the Tate case.
The ranch was the alleged home of a hate-oriented cult charged in connection with the Tate and LaBianca killings last Aug. 9 and 10.
The witness mentioned in this article apparently did know Charlie. I caught this reference:
Eureka! by Steven V. Roberts (NY Times) c.1974
From a piece titles “One Man’s Family”
pg214
Manson knew what to say to make people feel good, to bring them out of themselves. Sharon Rayfield, a girl who lived near Spahn Ranch and rode horses there, said, “I always thought I was ugly, but Charlie made me feel beautiful.”