Multiple Charges Against Line Fire Arsonist by Stella Pierce - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ NOVEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Multiple Charges Against Line Fire Arsonist

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer
September 18, 2024 at 02:26pm. Views: 1109

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the San Bernardino County District Attorney filed multiple arson related charges against Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco for his actions for allegedly igniting the Line Fire.

 

The Line Fire which started in the City of Highland on September 5th, is currently burning and has scorched over 37,000 acres in San Bernardino County. The Line Fire has burned through forest landscapes, causing the displacement of thousands of families, prompting school closures, and adding risk to hundreds of firefighters and first responders currently battling this blaze.    

 

Based on evidence received from extensive and ongoing investigations, we believe the defendant in this case, Mr. Halstenberg, attempted multiple times within an hour to ignite a fire. His first attempt (as indicated by marker 1) occurred on Bacon Ln. in Highland. That fire was reported and extinguished by local firefighters.

His second arson was just east of Bacon Ln. on Basline, (marker 2) which was stomped out by a good Samaritan. Undeterred, he ignited a third fire, (indicted by marker 3) which is what we now know as the Line Fire. At the time of filing, we are aware of one residence that has burned, and one firefighter injury.

An investigation involving multiple agencies including San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Fire Department and Cal Fire has been submitted and after review, our Office has filed the following charges;

 

1: PC 451.5 Aggravated Arson

2: PC 451(a) Arson Causing GBI (Firefighter Injury)

3: PC 451(b) Arson of Residence

4: PC 451(c) Arson of Forest Land (Bacon Ln)

5: PC 453(a) Incendiary Device (Bacon Ln)

6: PC 451(c) Arson of Forest Land (Baseline Ave)

7: PC 453(a) Incendiary Device (Baseline Ave)

8: PC 451(c) Arson of Forest Land (Line Fire)

9: PC 453(a) Incendiary Device (Line Fire)

 

Additional charges may be filed for any further structure damage or injuries as this is an ongoing fire threat.

“The devastation that has unfolded due to the alleged actions of one man cannot be undone. 37,000 of forest land and mountain communities might never be what they once were. My hope is that with the investigative efforts of our law enforcement partners and thorough prosecution of this case, we can offer some measure of justice.” -San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 722

Athlete of the Week Christopher Michael Lemos, Redlands High School Junior and Varsity Quarterback, proudly represents the Terriers with his dedication, leadership, and passion for the game.

Photo Courtesy of: UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 790

A remote wildfire-monitoring camera overlooks a Southern California landscape. Redlands has partnered with UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia program to improve monitoring of areas near northern Redlands and the Santa Ana River wash.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.akspl.org/events/

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 1552

Annual ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine will bring American history to life on November 21. On a November morning in Redlands, the sounds of fifes, drums and historic artillery will offer residents an opportunity to experience a chapter of American history that continues to influence the nation more than 160 years after the Civil War.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:18pm. Views: 720

The first years of a child's life are filled with milestones that families often remember forever. A baby's first smile, the first attempt to crawl and the first spoken words are moments of celebration. They can also bring questions, uncertainty and new responsibilities for parents learning how to care for a growing child.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.csusb.edu/

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 778

CSUSB’s Department of Physics and Astronomy has earned recognition for it for its work to create a more inclusive, diverse and supportive physics department, earning the Bronze Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science Physics & Astronomy SEA Change program.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 1827

Operation Green Light returns November 4–11, encouraging residents to recognize military service and help veterans connect with available resources. As darkness settles over San Bernardino during the first week of November, green lights will illuminate several county buildings, transforming familiar government facilities into visible reminders of the sacrifices made by America's military veterans.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.authentikusa.com/

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 822

As America's most famous highway celebrates its centennial in 2026, San Bernardino reflects on the road that helped shape its neighborhoods, businesses and identity. Long before interstate highways became the preferred routes for cross-country travel, motorists making their way through San Bernardino followed a road that would become one of the most recognizable highways in American history.

Photo Courtesy of: Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 642

Muscoy Elementary students join SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano, Board of Education President Mayra Ceballos, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Sandra Rodriguez and Dr. Tasha Doizan, Director MaryRone Goodwin and San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. for the official ribbon cutting ceremony that opened the school’s new outdoor learning center.

Photo Courtesy of: https://riversiderecord.org/; A photo of Moreno Valley City Hall. (Alicia Ramirez/The Riverside Record) Credit: (Photo by Alicia

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 27, 2026 at 02:39pm. Views: 932

A city is often judged by what residents experience every day: the condition of its streets, the reliability of public services, the availability of recreational programs and the ease of obtaining information from local government. Behind those everyday experiences are departments and employees whose work rarely attracts national attention.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 27, 2026 at 02:39pm. Views: 841

Athlete of the Week Zachary Scott Perez, Senior at John W. North High School, is recognized as Athlete of the Week for his dedication and accomplishments as a student athlete.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI Illustration

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 27, 2026 at 02:39pm. Views: 2382

Running shoes, colorful clothing and a willingness to have fun will take center stage in Moreno Valley on Saturday, November 14, when the city hosts its 2026 Fun Color Run at the Civic Center Amphitheater. Residents will have a chance to experience an event where the goal is not necessarily to finish first, but to participate, laugh and cross the finish line with a colorful memory of their community.

Photo Courtesy of: https://jobs.saic.com/

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 27, 2026 at 02:39pm. Views: 1188

For veterans returning to civilian life, completing military service is often the beginning of another demanding transition. Finding employment, translating military experience into civilian qualifications and navigating available benefits can require considerable time and assistance. Even veterans with extensive leadership and technical skills may encounter difficulties identifying opportunities that match their experience.

--> -->