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Man accused of starting Watch Fire arrested
Authorities say they have made an arrest in connection with a wildfire that destroyed homes on the San Carlos Reservation. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach reports.
SAN CARLOS APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION, Ariz. - Officials with the San Carlos Apache Reservation say they have arrested a person in connection with the Watch Fire.
In a statement released on July 24, 22-year-old Keanu Dude is accused of arson in connection with the fire, which started on July 10.
"Dude lives in the Gilson Wash District and is unemployed. Dude has a criminal history of assault, domestic violence, and other charges," read a portion of the statement.
Keanu Dude (San Carlos Apache Police Department)
The Watch Fire, according to tribal officials, burned 2,162 acres of land, destroyed 21 homes and 13 other structures, and ultimately left about 73 tribal members homeless.
"People lost a lot of property," said San Carlos Apache Police Chief Elliot Sneezy. "They lost memories. They lost a number of different things. Some lost pets, and as we all know, they're like family, and when it comes to the loss, those are sometimes irreplaceable, memories have been lost. When it comes to the closure, they get to see that there is somebody behind what caused all this."