NewsNation

Suspect arrested in massive Line Fire

A 34-year-old man from San Bernardino County has been arrested in connection with the Line Fire, which has burned more than 33,000 acres since it erupted late last week.  

Officials with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department say that Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a resident of Norco, is suspected of starting the fire on Sept. 5 in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in Highland.  


Firefighters have struggled to get the upper hand on the now 32,905-acre wildfire, which is only 14% contained as of the latest update Tuesday evening.  

The blaze has displaced thousands of residents forced to evacuate due to encroaching flames, as well as prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency and deploy the National Guard to assist in evacuations.

There are also several reports of homes being destroyed in the area of Running Springs.

Authorities did not provide any information on how they believe the 34-year-old started the out-of-control blaze but said in a press release that he was taken into custody Tuesday and booked at the Central Detention Center for arson.  

The release noted that the victim in this case was the “State of California.”  

Halstenberg is being held on $80,000 bail.