There are lightning-caused fires, which can leave untouched spots of green in a charred landscape, and those set by human hands where the devastation can be more uniform. This month’s Watch Fire in San Carlos was one of the latter, and investigators found a suspect 13 days after it started.

The San Carlos Apache Police Department (SCAPD) and Tribal Game & Fish Rangers arrested Keanu Dude, a 22-year-old tribal member from the Gilson Wash District, the afternoon of July 23. According to a San Carlos Apache Tribe press release, Dude was unemployed and had a criminal history of assault, domestic violence and other charges.

The Watch Fire started as a small brush fire the night of July 10 and grew into an uncontrolled wildfire the next afternoon, driven by high winds from a thunderstorm. It burned 2,162 acres. According to the Tribe’s press release, 21 homes and 13 auxiliary structures were destroyed. More than 400 people were evacuated and 73 tribal members were left homeless.

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

That investigation, by the San Carlos Apache Fire Investigation Task Force, got underway as the flames were still spreading. The Tribe’s Game & Fish Rangers acted as lead investigator; the task force also included the Tribe’s Forest Resources Management team and Chief Prosecutor, the FBI, Complex Incident Management Team II – Southwest, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police.

The case remained under investigation.

SCAPD Chief Elliot Sneezy praised the response of his department’s officers and detectives along with the Rangers. “We all worked around the clock together with our partners from other agencies,” he said. “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.”

“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,” said Rambler. “It is imperative that everyone in our Tribe work together to overcome this criminal act and rebuild our community better and stronger than ever.”