San Carlos Apache Member Arrested for Allegedly Igniting Watch Fire in Arson Case

A 22-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache tribe, Keanu Dude, has been arrested and charged with arson for allegedly igniting the Watch Fire that devastated the community by burning 2,162 acres, destroying 21 homes, and forcing over 400 people to evacuate.

San Carlos Apache Police and the tribe’s Game & Fish Rangers apprehended Dude on Tuesday, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The Watch Fire ignited around 11 p.m. on July 10 and swiftly spread into the bed of the San Carlos River, located approximately 85 miles northeast of Tucson. Firefighters swiftly responded, but high winds from a thunderstorm the following afternoon exacerbated the situation, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Despite efforts by air tankers to control the blaze, the wind grounded their operations. Firefighters managed to establish fire lines and performed controlled burns along the fire’s east flank to curb its growth. The fire resulted in temporary power outages, leaving at least 73 people homeless.

A week after the fire started, officials announced it was fully contained. “Due to extreme drought, increasing temperatures, and no forecast for rain, the potential for catastrophic wildfire remains high,” officials noted.

The San Carlos Reservation is home to around 10,250 residents, with about 4,400 living in San Carlos, Arizona, within Gila County. Officials stated that Dude resides in the Gilson Wash District—one of four on the tribe’s 1.8 million acres—and is unemployed with a history of assault, domestic violence, and other charges.

“It deeply saddens me that a member of our Tribe has been charged with starting this fire that devastated our community,” expressed San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler. “Arson is a senseless act that will never be tolerated. I am thankful for the swift and thorough investigation by tribal and federal law enforcement.”

Even during the fire, an arson investigation commenced, led by the tribe’s Game & Fish rangers and supported by the FBI, the tribe’s Forest Resources Fire Management team, the federal Complex Incident Management Team II – Southwest, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police, and the tribe’s chief prosecutor.

San Carlos Apache Police Chief Elliot Sneezy commended law enforcement’s quick efforts. “We worked around the clock with our partners from other agencies. With the community’s help, we reached a quick resolution. We will continue to support and pray for our community,” Sneezy said.

Chairman Rambler emphasized the hardships faced by many. “While no one was injured, many have lost their homes and possessions,” he noted. “It is crucial that our Tribe works together to overcome this criminal act and rebuild our community stronger.”

The tribe continues to collect donations for those affected by the Watch Fire.