California Man Found Guilty of Starting Line Fire That Burned 44,000 Acres

A California man has been convicted of starting the massive Line Fire that tore through 44,000 acres of land and forced thousands of people to flee their homes in Southern California in September 2024.

Justin Halstenberg of Norco was found guilty on seven serious charges related to the Line Fire, including aggravated arson of forest land and property, and possession of flammable materials. He was also convicted on two additional charges connected to a separate fire that followed. Prosecutors say he could now face life in prison.

According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, Halstenberg made multiple attempts to start fires near Highland within a single hour. The first two attempts were quickly stopped—one by firefighters, the other by a bystander. But it was his third attempt, on Baseline Street in Highland, that sparked the Line Fire.

What started as a single flame quickly turned into a raging wildfire, fueled by hot temperatures and dry brush. Evacuation orders were issued for several communities, including Running Springs, Forest Falls, Arrowbear Lake, Angelus Oaks, and parts of Highland and San Bernardino. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as the fire surged out of control.

Fire crews from across the region worked around the clock to protect homes and save lives. The damage was widespread, but thanks to their efforts, even more destruction was prevented.

“This is a huge victory for the City of Highland, our mountain communities, and the brave firefighters who faced this fire head-on,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department shared on social media.

Now, justice has been served—but the memory of the fire will live on in the communities it nearly destroyed.