A California man has been arrested for allegedly starting the massive Line Fire, which has already consumed over 34,000 acres in San Bernardino County.
At a Glance
- Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, arrested on suspicion of starting the Line Fire
- Fire has burned over 34,000 acres, threatening 65,000 structures
- Three firefighters injured, thousands evacuated
- Governor Newsom declares state of emergency, deploys National Guard
Arson Suspect Arrested as Line Fire Rages On
In a development that has shocked local communities, authorities have arrested 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg on suspicion of igniting the devastating Line Fire in San Bernardino County, California. The fire, which began near Baseline Road and Alpin Street in Highland, has already scorched over 34,000 acres of the San Bernardino National Forest, posing a severe threat to surrounding areas.
Halstenberg, a resident of Norco, was booked into the Central Detention Center with bail set at $80,000. The arrest comes as a relief to many, but the battle against the inferno is far from over. With triple-digit temperatures and an ongoing heat wave, firefighters face challenging conditions in their efforts to contain the blaze.
Devastating Impact and Emergency Response
The Line Fire’s rapid spread has already injured at least three firefighters and threatens an alarming 65,000 structures. In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to mobilize additional resources for firefighting efforts. The California National Guard has been deployed to assist with evacuations, underlining the severity of the situation.
“I thank President Biden for his swift approval of support for the work of our firefighters and first responders battling this fire and protecting local communities. It’s critical that residents in the impacted areas remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate immediately if called for by local authorities,” he said in a statement.
Approximately 2,100 personnel are working tirelessly to combat the fire, employing various strategies to slow its spread. Capt. John Clingingsmith Jr., Riverside County Fire PIO, explained one such tactic: “What we do is we put a little bit of fire on the ground up here on our road that we’re trying to hold and burn slowly downhill toward our main fire, close that down a little bit and what that creates is called a black line. It’s basically everything that’s burnt up and slows the fire down and helps us get a containment line.”
Evacuation Orders and Community Impact
The fire’s rapid expansion has forced authorities to issue evacuation orders for several areas, including Angelus Oaks, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and Forest Falls. Evacuation warnings extend to Green Valley Lake, Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear Valley. These measures have displaced thousands of residents, with several homes reportedly destroyed in the Running Springs area.
“It’s like a family, one giant family across the United States,” said Benjamin Brick, whose team came to San Bernardino County from New Jersey to assist in the firefighting efforts. Brick noted the unique challenges posed by California wildfires, stating, “They burn fast, very fast compared to back home.”
As the Line Fire continues to threaten communities, authorities urge residents to stay informed and follow evacuation orders promptly. The U.S. National Guard has been deployed to protect homes from potential looters, adding another layer of security for evacuated areas. With the fire moving northeast toward Big Bear and closer to Mountain Home Village and Highway 38, the situation remains critical.
