Man Accused of Arson in Connection To Line Fire

A California resident has been arrested for arson on suspicion of starting the Line Fire.

At a Glance

A suspected arsonist, Justin Wayne Halstenberg, was arrested for allegedly starting the San Bernardino Line Fire.
The fire has burned over 34,000 acres of forest east of Los Angeles.
Halstenberg was charged with arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land, and possession of flammable material.
Residents along the southern edge of Big Bear Lake have been evacuated.

Arson Suspect Arrested in Line Fire Case

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old resident of Norco, California, has been arrested for allegedly starting the San Bernardino Line Fire. Authorities arrested Halstenberg on suspicion of arson, citing evidence linking him to the ignition of the fire near Baseline Road and Alpine Street in Highland on September 5, 2024.

The fire, which began on September 5 at approximately 6:33 p.m., rapidly expanded, burning over 34,000 acres of forest land east of Los Angeles. The blaze, now identified as the Line Fire, has affected the San Bernardino Mountains and is currently only about 15 percent contained.

The Rapid Spread of the Line Fire

As of the morning of September 11, the fire had reportedly burned more than 51 square miles, sending a thick cloud of dark smoke into the sky. Authorities have evacuated residents along the southern edge of Big Bear Lake and other high-risk areas. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, deploying the National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts.

A minimum of three firefighters have sustained injuries battling the blaze, and several school districts have closed due to the thick smoke and fire risks. With over 2,800 personnel on the ground, crews continue to fight the fire, though challenging terrain and fluctuating weather present obstacles.

Legal Proceedings

Halstenberg faces multiple charges, including arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land, and possession of flammable material. He was held on $80,000 bail and appeared in court on September 12. Authorities urge anyone with information about the fire to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Current Status and Ongoing Concerns

The firefighting efforts are intense, and conditions remain volatile. The fire coincided with a triple-digit heat wave, though cooler temperatures moving in may aid in containment. The fire’s spread into remote mountain areas underscores the ongoing threat, as winds could potentially fuel further expansion.

“With the steep terrain up here and the vegetation and the way it’s burning, what we do is we put a little bit of fire on the ground up here on our road that we’re trying to hold and burn slowly downhill toward on our main fire, close that down a little bit and what that creates is called a black line,” according to Capt. John Clingingsmith Jr., Riverside County Fire PIO. “It’s basically everything that’s burnt up and slows the fire down and helps us get a containment line.”

Evacuation orders were put into effect for several communities, and specific road closures include parts of Highway 18 and Highway 330. Authorities have set up evacuation shelters, providing refuge for displaced residents and their pets. The community’s safety is paramount as efforts continue to bring the Line Fire under control.