Thu Sep 12 01:30:06 UTC 2024: ## California Wildfire Suspect Arrested, Line Fire Now 14% Contained
**Highland, CA** – A man has been arrested and charged with arson for allegedly starting the massive Line Fire in San Bernardino County, California. Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, was apprehended on Tuesday after an investigation by local detectives and state fire marshals.
The Line Fire, which erupted on September 5th, has consumed over 34,000 acres of land and forced the evacuation of roughly 18,000 residents. The blaze, fueled by strong winds and warm weather, is currently 14% contained.
Halstenberg is accused of starting the fire near Baseline Road and Alpin Street in Highland. He is being held on $80,000 bail.
The arrest comes as California battles three major wildfires. The Airport Fire in Orange County has burned 23,000 acres, while another blaze in the San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles has consumed 48,000 acres.
“There was no more exit, you had to drive through the flames to get out,” said Ryan LaMothe, whose home was destroyed by the Airport Fire.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) has not yet released details about Halstenberg’s motive or the method used to start the fire.
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