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CNN Sunday Morning

Man Accused of Starting Rodeo Fire Being Arraigned Today

Aired June 30, 2002 - 08:08   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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The man accused of starting the Rodeo fire in Arizona is being arraigned this morning. That blaze merged with another to create the largest wildfire in Arizona history. So far, it has charred nearly a half-million acres, but there is some good news on the front. Residents of Show Low began returning to their homes yesterday. That's where our David Mattingly is standing by live, this morning -- David.

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Kyra. We're waiting for word from Flagstaff, Arizona this morning, as authorities take a suspect before a federal magistrate on charges of arson. No official details are available yet, but the newspapers, the "Arizona Republic," quotes unnamed federal sources saying the suspect is a firefighter for the Bureau of Indiana Affairs.

The fire started on Apache reservation land. The Rodeo fire it's called because of where it began. The Rodeo fire quickly linked with the Chediski fire which was started by (UNINTELLIGIBLE) hiker. Now it's the biggest fire in Arizona history, approaching a half-million acres and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

All along, authorities had set up a hotline and were offering a reward, and they've been taking hundreds of anonymous tips. Arson has been suspected from almost the very beginning when the Rodeo fire started June 18. Word of the arrest came down late last night.

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JIM PAXON, U.S. FOREST SERVICE: Law enforcement officials today at 8:15 p.m. arrested an individual for allegedly starting the Rodeo fire June 18. He is in custody and will make an initial appearance before a United States magistrate judge tomorrow morning at 9:30.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: Meanwhile, thousands of Arizona residents waking up in their own beds this morning for the first time in nearly a week. Seven evacuated communities returned home yesterday, including the 7,700 residents of Show Low. The fire is still a threat, however. Three communities are still evacuated as firefighters continue to fight the flames in a canyon that is to the west of here -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right, David Mattingly, thanks so much.

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