Authorities have arrested a California man suspected of igniting the Line Fire, a major wildfire that has consumed over 34,000 acres in San Bernardino County.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, was arrested Tuesday on arson charges. He is being held in custody, with bail yet to be determined.
The Line Fire, burning approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, is one of three significant wildfires currently raging in southern California. As of Wednesday morning, it was 14% contained.
Officials have not disclosed how Halstenberg allegedly started the blaze.
The fire has forced thousands to evacuate and threatens more than 65,000 structures. CalFire reports that steep terrain is complicating firefighting efforts, particularly near Big Bear.
Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the fire’s growth. Firefighters anticipate that cooler weather forecasted for later in the week may aid containment efforts.
Approximately 13,300 homes and businesses in evacuation zones are at risk. No fatalities or structural damage have been confirmed, though media reports suggest at least one building in Running Springs may have been destroyed.
Nearly 2,000 firefighters are combating the blaze, supported by California National Guard crews and aircraft.
Two other wildfires — the Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest and the Airport Fire between Orange and Riverside counties — are also burning out of control. Both fires remain 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.
The fires coincide with a record-breaking heatwave in southern California, with temperatures reaching 111°F (43°C) in some areas. Weather forecasts predict cooler temperatures for the remainder of the week.
