Line Fire: Arson suspect charged as blaze scorches 39,000+ acres

'Line Fire' arson suspect to enter plea

Evidence so far indicates "significant arson behavior" by Justin Wayne Halstenberg, who could be tied to other fires, the San Bernardino County sheriff said.

HIGHLAND, Calif. - Evacuation orders continue to be in effect for some residents in San Bernardino County as firefighters continue to battle a wildfire near Highland.

At last check, the fire had grown to 39,111 acres and was 49% contained. Members of the California National Guard were sent in to help fight the fire and to help secure evacuated neighborhoods.

Justin Halstenberg, 34, was arrested by sheriff's deputies on Tuesday after he was identified as the man who sparked the fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in Highland back on September 5.

Line Fire arson suspect charged

Justin Halstenberg has been charged with nine felonies for allegedly intentionally setting the Line Fire. Deputies said he's tried to set at least two others.

Authorities said Halstenberg's truck was identified by license plate readers as being in proximity to the areas where the fires started, which was crucial in establishing a timeline and pinpointing the start of the wildfires.

The motive remains under investigation.

According to Cal Fire, one structure is destroyed, four structures damaged, and four injuries reported.

Officials said below average temperatures and moderate relative humidity continues to minimize the spread of the fire, which continues to be active in areas with remaining dry brush.

"There is opportunity to make more progress strengthening control lines and mopping up hot spots over the next several days thanks to favorable weather," Cal Fire said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has since proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County to secure federal assistance to support the fire response.

Line Fire explodes to 17,000+ acres

As of Sunday afternoon, the fire remains 0% contained.

‘They Will Be Arrested’

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus vowed to crack down against those looking to break into homes that are vacant during the evacuations.

"Please know that all the law enforcement officers and the National Guard are going to treat your homes just like we treat our own homes," Dicus said. "Rest assured that if anybody comes out and attempts to loot in this county, they will be arrested and they will be prosecuted."

Evacuation Orders

San Bernardino issued Forest Order NO. 05-12-00-24-09, creating a Forest Closure Area around the Line Fire. All National Forest lands, trails, and roads are closed to the public within that zone including San Gorgonio Wilderness
All undeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue

A full evacuation map can be found by tapping or clicking here.

Evacuation Warnings

Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, and Valley of Enchantment
The area of Big Bear Valley from the dam east to Cactus Road
Erwin Lake, Sugar Loaf, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, and Fawnskin
Green Valley Lake north from Highway 18 along Green Valley Lake Road
Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake
Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all campgrounds and cabins in the area
Forest Falls and Mountain Home Village

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SkyFOX over the Line Fire

Evacuation Shelters

San Bernardino County FairgroundsBuilding 614800 7th StreetVictorville, CA 92395
Jesse Turner Community Center15556 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA 92336
Hacienda Heights Community Center15556 Summit AvenueFontana, California 92336 (800) 733-2767

Animal Evacuation Shelter

Lancaster Animal Care Center (Small Animals)5210 West Avenue ILancaster, CA 93536
Palmdale Animal Care Center (Small Animals)38550 Sierrra HighwayPalmdale, CA 93534
Devore Animal Shelter (Large and Small Animals)19777 Shelter Way,San Bernardino, CA 92407Business Hours: (909) 386-9820After Hours: (800)472-5609
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals)2551 W Avenue H,Lancaster, CA 93536

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