A man suspected of starting massive fires that have burned thousands of acres in Southern California was arrested Tuesday, authorities said.
Investigators from the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department and Cal Fire identified the suspect, Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, as the man who allegedly started the Line Fire.
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The Line Fire blazed atop a hill near Running Springs, California, on Saturday, and a man has been arrested for allegedly starting the massive blaze. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
“Highland Station detectives, working with Cal Fire investigators, have identified Justin Wayne Halstenberg as the suspect who started the fire, also known as the Line Fire, on Sept. 5, 2024 in the area of Baseline Road and Alpine Street in the City of Highland.” The sheriff's office revealed this.
Halstenberg is charged with arson of an inhabited structure, arson of a forest area and possession of flammable material and is being held on $80,000 bail, according to jail records.
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Firefighters battle the growing Line Fire in Mentone, California, on Sunday. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Authorities have not said how they believe Halstenberg started the blaze that has burned at least 34,000 acres of forest east of Los Angeles. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
The fire, which began Sept. 5, was only 14 percent contained as of Wednesday, according to Cal Fire. The region is still recovering from days of triple-digit temperatures. Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas, including near Big Bear, a popular ski resort.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Sunday and deployed the National Guard to help with evacuations and the state's fire response.
Firefighters monitor the growing Line Fire in Angelus Oaks, California, on Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
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Elsewhere in California, the Bridge Fire near Los Angeles started on September 8 and has burned more than 46,000 acres. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
