fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

A 22-year-old San Carlos Apache Tribe member has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with the Watch Fire that terrified hundreds of people as they fled for their lives, leaving many homeless.

The San Carlos Apache Police Department (SCAPD) and the Tribe’s Game & Fish Rangers arrested Keanu Dude 13 days after the fire was started. Dude was arrested at approximately 2 p.m., July 23 and is being held in the San Carlos Adult Detention & Rehabilitation Center. Dude lives in the Gilson Wash District and is unemployed. Dude has a criminal history of assault, domestic violence, and other charges.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

The case remains under investigation.
 
“It saddens me deeply that a member of our Tribe has been charged with starting this fire that devastated our community,” said San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler. “Arson is a senseless act that will never be tolerated under any circumstance. I am thankful for the swift and thorough investigation by tribal and federal law enforcement that has resulted in an arrest.”
 
An arson investigation was initiated as the fire was still spreading by the San Carlos Apache Fire Investigation Task Force with the Tribe’s Game & Fish Rangers as the lead investigator. The Task Force included 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.
 
 “I would like to commend SCAPD’s officers, Detectives, and the Tribe’s Game & Fish Rangers on how quickly they reacted and responded to this incident. Our priority is the safety of the community,” SCAPD Chief of Police Elliot Sneezy said. “We all worked around the clock together with our partners from other agencies.  With the community’s help, we were able to come to a quick resolution. We will continue to support and pray for our community and its members affected by this tragedy.” 
 
The Watch Fire began as a small brush fire around 11 p.m., July 10. It erupted into an uncontrolled wildfire the next afternoon when high winds from a thunderstorm caused the fire to rapidly spread in all directions. The fire burned 2,162 acres, destroyed 21 homes and 13 auxiliary structures, forced the evacuation of more than 400 and left about 73 members of the Tribe homeless.
 
“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,” Chairman 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.”
 
The Tribe continues to seek funds for rebuilding homes and infrastructure. Monetary donations can be sent here.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Red Hoop Talk: Native Stories, Real Conversations
NEXT ON NATIVE BIDASKÉ: The Tribe Said No - Her Own People Refused Her

Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions

At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.

The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.

Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.

This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.

We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.

Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.

Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.

Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.

Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
 
About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].