A brush fire southwest of Sunsites burned one structure and threatened several homes but is now about 15 percent contained.
The lightning-sparked Lemarch Fire is burning brush and grass on the east slopes of the Dragoon Mountains near Black Diamond Peak. The fire has burned about 290 acres as of Tuesday morning.
Fire crews saw active burning Monday evening but have been able to stop the fire's forward progress, according to an update.
One structure has been burned. The structure was described as a barn, but another report said it was a cabin.
Five residents of the rural area were evacuated from their homes, and a sixth refused to leave, according to Cochise County Sheriff's officials.
Officials ask that people avoid the area until fire crews are able to contain the fire.
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Shortly before 3 p.m. Monday, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office was notified of a brush fire on Lemarch Road off of Middlemarch Road. The area is southwest of Sunsites, which is northwest of Elfrida.
Sunsites Fire District and Tombstone Fire Departments responded to the area, along with Cochise sheriff's deputies.
The fire is being fought with a unified command that includes the National Forest Service, state and local fire crews. There are 85 people assigned to the fire, including three crews, six engines and four water tenders. Another 20-person crew is expected to arrive Tuesday to help with mopping up and securing the fire's perimeter.
