PHOENIX — A member of the San Carlos Apache tribe has been arrested for allegedly igniting a wildfire that resulted in the destruction of 21 homes and the evacuation of hundreds in southeastern Arizona. Federal prosecutors have confirmed that Keanu Rudy Dude, 25, faces arson charges related to the July 2024 incident, which scorched over 3 square miles.
Dude was apprehended on an outstanding indictment issued by a federal grand jury in Phoenix, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
The fire, known as the Watch Fire, caused damage to power lines, resulting in a temporary power outage and took a week for officials to completely contain. A state of emergency was declared to assist tribal members affected by the disaster.
While there were no reported injuries, tribal chairman Terry Rambler indicated that this fire was the most significant structural fire on the reservation in decades. Dude is scheduled for his initial court appearance on February 24. Authorities have noted that he has a prior criminal record, and further details regarding the arrest or a potential motive have not been disclosed.
