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CNN Live At Daybreak

Arizona Firefighters Shocked by Gregg's Actions

Aired July 02, 2002 - 06:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Firefighters in Arizona say they have turned the corner and are finally gaining ground on that massive wildfire, but they are still shaking their heads in disbelief that one of their own has been charged with setting the fire that got it all started.

CNN's Eric Philips has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ERIC PHILIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): The man accused of starting the Rodeo blaze is a surprising suspect for two reasons. First of all, he is a firefighter, and secondly, he is a member of the Indian tribe that owns the land where the fire originated.

(voice-over): Twenty-nine-year-old Leonard Gregg was arrested Saturday night, accused of setting both the Rodeo and Pena (ph) fires on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation near Cibecue. The Pena (ph) fire was put out shortly after it started, but the Rodeo fire raged out of control, combining with the Chediski fire to scorch more than 450,000 acres.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's hard to believe that one human being could do this amount of damage to so many, many people.

PHILIPS: Authorities say the contract firefighter used matches to set dried grass ablaze, and that he had a financial motive.

PAUL CHARLTON, U.S. ATTORNEY: There is evidence, within that statement of probable cause, that indicates that this individual started the fire so as to earn money as a contract firefighter.

PHILIPS: Authorities say Gregg was one of the first called to fight the fire. During his arraignment on Sunday, he told the judge -- quote -- "I'm sorry for what I did."

Especially devastating for tribal leaders is the fact that Gregg is one of their own.

RONNIE LUPE, APACHE TRIBE CHAIRMAN: And he comes from here. He was adopted by a family by the name of Gregg. He was raised by them.

PHILIPS: Over the weekend, residents of Show Low and other nearby communities were allowed to return home after being evacuated for a week. Their homes are still intact. Meanwhile, many others must now pick up what's left of the pieces.

(on camera): Gregg will remain at the county jail in Flagstaff, Arizona until his preliminary hearing on Wednesday. He could face five years and $250,000 in fines for each count of arson. Meanwhile, fire officials say they now have this monstrous blaze 45 percent contained.

In Payson, Arizona, I am Eric Philips.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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