"Prosecutors said in court that Halstenberg attempted three fires Sept. 5, 2024 in the city of Highland. The first try was at the corner of Bacon and Lytle lanes, known as the short-lived Bacon Fire, which was extinguished quickly by local firefighters. The second was also stamped out fast, this time by a good Samaritan, according to prosecutors. His last effort, however, exploded into what became known as the Line Fire."
"The blaze consumed 44,000 acres of San Bernardino Mountains territory, injured six firefighters and destroyed or damaged seven structures. Damage and recovery is estimated to cost in the millions, according to Anderson. An automatic license-plate reader helped San Bernardino County and Cal Fire investigators link Halstenberg's pickup truck to a location near the start of the Line fire. Halstenberg was arrested in his family's Norco home, around 20 miles from the ignition site, Sept. 10, 2024."
Justin Halstenberg, 35, was convicted on nine counts of arson, including aggravated arson and use of an incendiary device, for starting the Line and Bacon fires in San Bernardino County in September 2024. Prosecutors said he attempted three fires on Sept. 5 in Highland; two were quickly extinguished but the third became the Line Fire. The Line Fire burned about 44,000 acres, injured six firefighters, and destroyed or damaged seven structures. Officials estimate damage and recovery will cost millions. An automatic license-plate reader linked Halstenberg's pickup near the Line Fire origin, and he was arrested Sept. 10 in Norco.
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