The Sonoita Vineyards winery building is shrouded by smoke in the late afternoon on March 5 as firefighters knock down the Longview Fire (aka “Elgin Brush Fire”). Photo by Marion Vendituoli

The Longview Fire (aka “Elgin Brush Fire”) burned 553 acres before crews from several fire departments brought it under control. The fire originated in a vacant barn on Longview Loop Road in Elgin and then spread across the Babacomari Ranch. There were no injuries. One barn and an outbuilding were lost, one travel trailer was destroyed and one additional structure suffered internal damage. Residents on Longview Loop Road were evacuated for several hours.

Firefighting crews operated under a unified command between Sonoita-Elgin Fire District and AZ Department of Fire and Forestry Management. In addition to Sonoita Fire and AZ DFFM, agencies from throughout Santa Cruz and Cochise counties responded.

The fire is under investigation.

Although the Longview Fire came dangerously close to the winery at Sonoita Vineyards, the building escaped damage. Photo by Marion Vendituoli