US Man Arrested for Suspected Role in California’s Line Fire

California police have arrested Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old Norco resident, on suspicion of starting the Line Fire, which has burned over 34,000 acres. Halstenberg was taken into custody on Tuesday for arson and is being held on bail. The Line Fire is one of three major wildfires currently raging in southern California, straining firefighting resources and threatening thousands of homes. As of Wednesday morning, the fire is 14% contained.

Police have not disclosed how Justin Wayne Halstenberg is alleged to have ignited the Line Fire, which is burning in San Bernardino County, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. The blaze has forced thousands to evacuate and threatens over 65,000 structures. The fire, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, continues to grow in steep terrain, complicating firefighting efforts, particularly near Big Bear.

Firefighters are hoping cooler weather later this week will aid their efforts. While no fatalities or significant structural damage have been reported, photos suggest at least one building in Running Springs may have been destroyed. Nearly 2,000 firefighters are working on the Line Fire, supported by the California National Guard with crews and aircraft.

Additionally, the Bridge Fire, which started on September 8, has surged to 46,700 acres in the Angeles National Forest, with its cause under investigation. Footage shows it engulfing ski lifts at Mountain High Ski Resort. The Airport Fire, ignited on Monday and burning between Orange and Riverside counties, has reached 22,300 acres. It has destroyed several homes, with smoke visible from the Los Angeles airport. Initial reports suggest it might have been sparked by heavy equipment. Both the Bridge and Airport Fires remain 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.