A man who allegedly started a massive blaze that has burned thousands of acres in Southern California was arrested Tuesday, authorities said.
The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department and investigators with Cal Fire identified Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, as the person who allegedly started the Line Fire.
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“Highland Station detectives, in collaboration with Cal Fire investigators, identified Justin Wayne Halstenberg as the suspect who started a fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in the city of Highland, also known as the Line Fire, on September 5, 2024,” the sheriff’s office said.
Halstenberg is charged with arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land and possession of flammable material, according to jail records. He is being held on $80,000 bond.
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Authorities didn’t disclose how they believe Halstenberg started the fire, which has burned at least 34,000 …