Justin Halstenberg, 35, from Norco, has been found guilty of starting the Line Fire, which burned 44,000 acres in the San Bernardino Mountains last September. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced that Halstenberg was convicted on multiple counts, including aggravated arson of forest land and property, and possession of flammable materials. He now faces a potential life sentence.
The Line Fire began on September 5 and led to the evacuation of over 11,000 residents. Six firefighters were injured while battling the blaze. According to KTLA, Halstenberg became a suspect after an automatic license-plate reader linked his vehicle to the fire’s origin. He was arrested at his home in Norco, about 20 miles from where the fire started.
Prosecutors accused Halstenberg of starting three fires within an hour in Highland, California. His first two attempts were quickly extinguished, but the third, set near Base Line and Aplin streets, became the Line Fire. Despite pleading not guilty, evidence presented in court included a homemade ignition device found at the fire’s start, similar to one he allegedly practiced with in 2023.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe praised the efforts of investigators and prosecutors, stating, “Today, they delivered justice for the victims, our residents, and the land we all cherish.” Halstenberg’s mother has maintained his innocence, stating he is “not an arsonist.”
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