Justin Halstenberg: Line Fire Arson Suspect

Justin Halstenberg: Suspect details and charges

• Identity and background:

  • Justin Wayne Halstenberg, age 34
  • Occupation: delivery driver from Norco, California

• Charges filed against Justin Halstenberg:

  • 11 arson-related charges
  • Specific charges include arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land, and possession of flammable material

• Legal status of Line Fire arson suspect:

  • Justin Halstenberg pleaded not guilty to the charges
  • Initially held on $80,000 bail

Line Fire details

Fire location and spread

• Origin:

  • Started on September 5, 2024, around 6:30 p.m.
  • Near Baseline Road and Aplin Street in Highland, California

• Affected areas:

  • Burning in San Bernardino County
  • North of Highland, south of Big Bear, east of Running Springs, and west of Angeles Oaks

Fire statistics

• Acreage burned:

  • 37,589 acres as of September 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

• Containment:

  • 21% contained as of September 12, 2024

• Structures threatened:

  • 65,600 homes and buildings under threat

Alleged arson activities of Justin Wayne Halstenberg

• Multiple fire attempts:

  • Justin Halstenberg accused of attempting to start three fires within an hour in Highland
  • The third fire attempt became the Line Fire

• Vehicle evidence:

  • Justin Wayne Halstenberg's vehicle was reportedly linked to three areas where fires were started

Impact and response to the Line Fire

• Evacuations:

  • Thousands of residents displaced
  • Parts of Big Bear, including southern edge of Big Bear Lake, evacuated

• Firefighting efforts:

  • Over 2,800 personnel allocated to fight the fire
  • Four firefighters injured

• Environmental factors:

  • Fire fueled by short grass, chaparral, and tall grass
  • Dense vegetation from recent wet winters contributed to fire spread

FAQ

Who is Justin Halstenberg?

Justin Halstenberg, also known as Justin Wayne Halstenberg, is a 34-year-old delivery driver from Norco, California. He was arrested and charged as the Line Fire arson suspect in September 2024.

What charges does Justin Wayne Halstenberg face as the Line Fire arson suspect?

Justin Wayne Halstenberg faces 11 arson-related charges, including arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land, and possession of flammable material. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

How did authorities identify Justin Halstenberg as the Line Fire arson suspect?

Authorities linked Justin Halstenberg's vehicle to three areas where fires were attempted within an hour in Highland, California. The third fire attempt became the Line Fire, leading to his arrest as the primary suspect.

What is the extent of damage caused by the Line Fire allegedly started by Justin Halstenberg?

As of September 12, 2024, the Line Fire had burned over 37,589 acres in San Bernardino County, California. It threatened 65,600 homes and buildings and led to the evacuation of thousands of residents.

What is the current status of the Line Fire and the case against Justin Wayne Halstenberg?

As of September 12, 2024, the Line Fire was 21% contained. Justin Wayne Halstenberg, the Line Fire arson suspect, was initially held on $80,000 bail and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case is ongoing.