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# How a Winery Worker Started a Wildfire that Lasted 17 Days, Wrecked Vintages
- URL: https://bevnews.net/how-a-winery-worker-started-a-wildfire-that-lasted-17-days-wrecked-vintages/
- Published: 2026-09-01T01:31:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-01T01:31:43.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: Wildfires

On Aug. 21, 2025, Juan Luis Gutierrez Marfil disposed of some hot ashes into a burn pile. The resulting wildfire lasted 17 days, destroyed on home and four outbuildings. 

A number of winegrape growers abandoned their vintages owing to smoke taint they blamed on the fire. Total dmage was estimated at $56 million plus $1.7 million for other agricultural commodities and farm structures.

Hundred Acre Wine spokesman said Marfil was a contractor working for Woodbridge and not a winery employee. In April a Cal Fire enfocement officer cited him two two felonies and two misdemeanors related to the fire. He has now been charged with recklessly causing the fire of a structure or forest.