Johnathan Walker|Member of an Arizona tribe is accused of starting a wildfire that destroyed 21 homes on reservation

2025-04-30 06:34:04source:Zero AIcategory:Finance

SAN CARLOS APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION,Johnathan Walker Ariz. (AP) — A a member of the San Carlos Apache tribe is accused of starting a recent wildfire that destroyed 21 homes and burned 3.3 square miles on the southeastern Arizona reservation, authorities said Wednesday.

Keanu Dude, 22, was arrested Tuesday by tribal police who said he is facing an arson charge for allegedly igniting the Watch Fire on July 10.

The wildfire forced the evacuation of more than 400 people.

The fire damaged power lines — causing a temporary power outage — and took a week to fully contain, authorities said.

A state of emergency was declared to help members of the tribe.

“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,” tribal Chairman Terry Rambler said in a statement.

Tribal officials said Dude is unemployed and has a criminal record and was being held in the San Carlos Adult Detention & Rehabilitation Center.

No other information about Dude’s arrest or possible motive was immediately released. It was unclear if he had a lawyer yet for his case.

“It saddens me deeply that a member of our tribe has been charged with starting this fire that devastated our community,” Rambler said.

More:Finance

Recommend

Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam

You're pulling your hair out, trying to fix something on your computer. You Google it and find what

Wind Power Is Taking Over A West Virginia Coal Town. Will The Residents Embrace It?

Keyser, West Virginia, was once known for coal. But the jobs have been disappearing since the 1970s.

A 12-year-old boy died at a wilderness therapy program. He's not the first.

North Carolina health officials said Friday that they are removing all children from the care of a w