California Man Faces Life Sentence After Sparking Wildfire That Devastated 44,000 Acres

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — A California man has been found guilty of igniting a massive wildfire that scorched tens of thousands of acres, destroyed property, and forced mass evacuations across Southern California last year. The blaze, known as the Line Fire, erupted in September 2024 and burned over 44,000 acres of mountainous terrain and residential zones before it was brought under control.

According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, Justin Halstenberg, a resident of Norco, was convicted on multiple felony charges, including aggravated arson of forest land, arson of property, and possession of incendiary materials. In total, Halstenberg was found guilty on seven counts related to the Line Fire, and two additional counts tied to a separate, smaller blaze he allegedly tried to set in the same timeframe. The charges carry the possibility of a life sentence.

A Pattern of Arson Attempts

Officials say the 2024 wildfire wasn’t an isolated act. Investigators revealed that Halstenberg made three separate attempts to start a fire on the same day in the Highland hills — a dry, brush-covered area bordering residential neighborhoods. The first attempt was extinguished by firefighters before it could spread, while a second was reportedly stamped out by a local resident who witnessed the act.

The third attempt, which occurred on Baseline Street in Highland, sparked what would become the devastating Line Fire. The flames rapidly spread due to intense heat, low humidity, and fuel-rich terrain.

In a public statement, the DA’s office emphasized that Halstenberg’s repeated attempts to ignite fires in a high-risk area demonstrated a clear intent to cause widespread harm.

Communities in Crisis

As the Line Fire exploded in size, multiple evacuation orders were issued, affecting thousands across San Bernardino County. The fire tore through the mountain towns of Running Springs, Forest Falls, Arrowbear Lake, Angelus Oaks, Mountain Home Village, and Seven Oaks, along with parts of Highland and the city of San Bernardino.

Residents were forced to flee their homes with little warning, and emergency shelters quickly filled as the firestorm threatened entire communities. Several structures were damaged or destroyed, and hundreds of homes were left without power or access for days.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, allowing state and federal resources to be mobilized as firefighters battled against wind-driven flames and extreme conditions. In some areas, the fire moved faster than crews could contain, requiring aerial water drops and a 24/7 response effort that stretched for weeks.

Law Enforcement Response and Community Relief

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department praised the verdict as a long-overdue win for the region.

“This outcome is a huge victory for the City of Highland, our mountain communities, and the countless first responders who risked everything to protect lives and property,” the department said in a statement shared on social media.

Authorities say the case serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of arson, particularly during California’s increasingly volatile fire seasons. In recent years, prolonged drought and extreme heat have made wildfires more destructive and more frequent across the state.

Next Steps

Halstenberg now awaits sentencing, where prosecutors are expected to argue for the maximum penalty. Community members, including several of those displaced by the Line Fire, are expected to deliver impact statements during the hearing.

Meanwhile, recovery continues across the burn scar. Local organizations are helping families rebuild, and environmental crews are monitoring erosion risks in the affected wilderness areas.

Though justice may bring some closure, the scars of the Line Fire will remain etched into the land — and into the lives of those who called it home.