San Carlos Apache Tribe reports arrest for arson on reservation

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The San Carlos Apache Tribe coordinated donations to help families affected by the Watch Fire in July 2024. Photo courtesy San Carlos Apache Tribe

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Indianz.Com

A citizen of the San Carlos Apache Tribe has been arrested in connection with a fire that led to significant destruction on the reservation in Arizona.

Keanu Dude, age 22, is accused of starting the Watch Fire that burned more than 2,000 acres, destroyed 21 homes and 13 structures and forced the evacuation of more than 400 people. Some 73 people on the reservation are now without homes, the tribe said in a news release on Wednesday.

“It saddens me deeply that a member of our tribe has been charged with starting this fire that devastated our community,” Chairman Terry Rambler said in the release. “Arson is a senseless act that will never be tolerated under any circumstance.”

The Watch Fire began on July 10, quickly spiraling out of control amid extreme climate conditions on the reservation. The tribe declared a state of emergency on July 12 in response to the dangers facing its citizens.

“While thankfully no one was injured, many face extreme hardship, losing their homes and all their possessions and were left with only the clothes on their back,” Rambler said. “It is imperative that everyone in our tribe work together to overcome this criminal act and rebuild our community better and stronger than ever.”

Keanu Dude. Photo courtesy San Carlos Apache Tribe

According to the news release, Dude was arrested on Tuesday and is being held in the San Carlos Adult Detention & Rehabilitation Center on the reservation. The tribe has not indicated in which jurisdiction he might be facing charges.

The tribe is accepting monetary donations for those affected by the Watch Fire. More information can be found on scat-nsn.gov.

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