Norco Man Suspected Of Igniting 33,000-Acre Line Fire Burning In IE

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — The destructive Line Fire that has ripped through 32,905 acres was intentionally set, and Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco is the suspect, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced.

Jail records show Halstenberg was arrested at 7 p.m. Tuesday and booked into county jail on suspicion of arson on an inhabited structure, arson on forest land and possession of flammable material/arson device — all felonies.

He is being held in lieu of an $80,000 bail bond and is due to appear in court on Sept. 12, according to jail records.

There was no word on how law enforcement came to target Halstenberg. The detective work was a collaboration between Highland Station sheriff's deputies and Cal Fire investigators, according to the sheriff's department.

Crews have battled the Line Fire for five days. Despite reaching 14% containment, the blaze grew Tuesday in steep terrain with difficult access, especially in the Big Bear area.

"Near vertical slopes make putting in control lines challenging," Cal Fire reported Tuesday night.

Additionally, the fire impacted key radio towers on Keller Peak, including major communication channels for the fire incident, San Bernardino National Forest, and Alert California cameras.

"Over the next several operational periods, there are critical resources needed to be able to construct control lines and protect structures and communities," Cal Fire warned Tuesday night.

It's unclear when resources will arrive.

Afterdark winds were also a worry.

"Tonight, stronger winds are predicted, which could lead to drops in relative humidity and greater fire spread," Cal Fire said.

Public safety power shutoffs were anticipated for parts of the Big Bear and Bear Valley areas, which could impact potential evacuation zones.

As of Tuesday night, 65,600 structures were threatened by the Line Fire, including 13,300 structures under evacuation orders and 52,300 under evacuation warnings.

See the latest evacuation updates here. The link contains information about evacuation centers for humans and animals.

Firefighting efforts were focused Tuesday on "creating control lines, protecting structures and the community, making contingency plans, and maximizing the use of aircraft when conditions are not too smoky," Cal Fire reported.

The north and east sides of the Line Fire continue to burn with the greatest intensity, the agency said Tuesday afternoon.

Several road closures are in place. Find updates here.

The Line Fire broke out at approximately 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 near Base Line Road and Aplin Street in Highland. Three firefighters have been injured battling the blaze.

An update on the firefighter injuries was not immediately available. Crews are working in exceptionally challenging conditions due to the ongoing heat wave that has sent temperatures well above the 100-degree mark.

Over the weekend, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in San Bernardino County as a result of the blaze. The move helps secure federal assistance to support firefighting efforts.
"Limited resources and logistical support have hampered fire control efforts," Cal Fire reported over the weekend.

There are currently 2,098 personnel from multiple agencies assigned to the blaze. The firefight is being conducted by ground and air, though heavy smoke has challenged aircraft crews, according to Cal Fire.

Some San Bernardino County schools have canceled classes.

Smoke drift from the Line Fire and other blazes is impacting residents across the Southland. Read more: 3 Major Wildfires Threatening Life, Property In Southern California

Additionally, the Roblar Fire that broke out Saturday aboard Camp Pendleton, just west of Temecula, had burned 950 acres and was 45% contained as of Tuesday morning.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended an air quality alert for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke in the region and high smog (ozone) levels.

The high smog level is exacerbated by the heat wave that is expected to continue through Tuesday.
Officials are urging residents to remain indoors with windows and doors closed and avoid rigorous physical activity.

"Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor`s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality.

"Additionally, people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate," according to the National Weather Service.