Authorities Arrest Suspected California Arsonist for Starting Line Fire That Burned Thousands of Acres
The cause of the blaze that has burned thousands of acres remains unknown, according to authorities.
An individual accused of igniting a large-scale wildfire in Southern California, resulting in the destruction of thousands of acres, was apprehended on Tuesday, according to officials.
Cal Fire investigators, in collaboration with the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, have identified Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, as the suspect accused of igniting the Line Fire.
The sheriff's office stated that Justin Wayne Halstenberg was identified as the suspect who started the Line Fire in Highland on September 5, 2024, through the collaboration of Highland Station detectives and Cal Fire investigators.
According to jail records, Halstenberg is accused of arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land, and possession of flammable material. He is currently being held on a bond of $80,000.
The cause of the forest fire that has burned at least 34,000 acres east of Los Angeles remains unknown, as authorities have not disclosed how they believe Halstenberg started the fire. He will appear in court on Thursday.
On Sept. 5, a fire started and was only 14% contained as of Wednesday, according to Cal Fire, as the region recovers from several days of high temperatures. Several communities, including those near Big Bear, a popular ski town, were issued evacuation orders.
On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and called upon the National Guard to aid in evacuations and the state's response to the fire.
Near Los Angeles, the Bridge Fire began on Sept. 8 and has burned over 46,000 acres. The cause of this fire is still being investigated.
us
You might also like
- Rescue efforts intensify for missing teen in Colorado storm drain
- Governor says Kentucky judge was shot and killed in his chambers.
- On a hot day, Texas law enforcement discovered 16 undocumented individuals concealed within a trailer's "false wall," prompting the arrest of the driver.
- Florida father confronts suspected peeping Tom with a baseball bat in video footage: "I have something for you"
- Video footage captures Mississippi teen suspect following alleged murder of mother.