Justin Wayne Halstenberg has been arrested in connection with starting multiple fires in California, including the Line Fire in San Bernardino County that has burned over 37,000 acres. Investigators believe that Halstenberg set off two other fires before sparking the destructive Line Fire. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus stated that they have significant evidence tying Halstenberg to all three fires and that he could potentially be linked to other fires as well. Halstenberg has been charged with nine felony counts related to the Line Fire, including aggravated arson, arson on structure or forest land, and possession of material or a device for arson. If convicted, he could face 10 years to life in prison.
Halstenberg is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center, and an arraignment is set for Friday. He also has an active court case in Riverside County for drug-related charges where he failed to appear in court and had an arrest warrant issued. San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson described the case as ongoing as the fire is still burning, and new charges may be pursued based on the extent of property damage and injuries. Charges will also include damage to a firefighter who broke their ankle during fire suppression efforts and a home that burned down. Authorities believe that Halstenberg intentionally started a fire in the city of Highland that developed into the Line Fire, with evidence supporting his arrest discovered during a search warrant.
The Line Fire has spread across 37,207 acres and was only 18% contained as of Thursday. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts. The fire is one of three major wildfires in Southern California, along with the Airport Fire in Orange County, which was sparked accidentally by workers and is 5% contained at 23,410 acres, and the Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, which was at 51,167 acres and 0% contained. Firefighters are hopeful that cooler weather approaching the region will help in containing the fires.
No fatalities have been reported from any of the fires, although several homes have been destroyed. The investigation into Halstenberg’s alleged arson activities is ongoing, with officials monitoring the extent of property damage and any injuries that may occur. The wildfires have posed a significant challenge to firefighters in the midst of a heatwave in Southern California. Progress has been made in containing some of the fires, but the Bridge Fire remains active. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection noted a decrease in fire behavior due to increased humidity and lower temperatures. Overall, the situation remains fluid as authorities work to contain and extinguish the wildfires.
