Man Convicted for Starting Massive Line Fire That Ravaged Southern California
Justin Halstenberg of Norco now faces potentially life-altering legal consequences after being found guilty of sparking the devastating Line Fire in September 2024.
The wildfire consumed approximately 44,000 acres across Southern California’s mountain regions and nearby suburbs, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes amid rapidly spreading flames.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced that Halstenberg was convicted on seven felony counts directly tied to the Line Fire, along with two additional charges related to a subsequent blaze.
These charges include aggravated arson of forest land and private property, as well as unlawful possession of flammable materials. If sentenced to the maximum penalty, Halstenberg could spend the rest of his life in prison.
According to court records and official statements, Halstenberg attempted multiple times within a single hour to ignite fires in the Highland hills, near residential neighborhoods. The first two ignition attempts were swiftly doused—first by firefighting crews and then by a vigilant civilian. However, on his third attempt near Baseline Street in Highland, he succeeded in igniting the blaze that escalated into the catastrophic Line Fire.
Fueled by parched vegetation and soaring temperatures, the wildfire spread with alarming speed, prompting mandatory evacuations for numerous mountain communities including Running Springs, Forest Falls, Arrowbear Lake, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks, as well as parts of Highland and San Bernardino city. The severity of the situation compelled Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in San Bernardino County.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department hailed the verdict as a major triumph for the region, recognizing the tireless courage of firefighters and first responders who fought day and night to contain the fire and safeguard lives and homes.
In a statement posted on social media, the department emphasized, “This verdict is a powerful message that those who recklessly endanger our communities will be held accountable.”
The conviction not only brings a measure of justice to those affected by the Line Fire’s destruction but also underscores the critical importance of fire prevention and community vigilance in wildfire-prone areas. As the region begins the long process of recovery, officials and residents alike remain focused on strengthening safety measures to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.