KTLA

Line Fire arson suspect pleads not guilty

By Will Conybeare,

8 days ago

The man accused of intentionally setting the Line Fire in San Bernardino County pleaded not guilty to 11 arson related charges against him.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg appeared in a video arraignment on Tuesday morning and was denied bail.

The 34-year-old Norco resident purposely started the Line Fire near Base Line Road and Alpin Street in Highland on Sept. 5, according to authorities.

Authorities tracked him down by using surveillance footage and license plate readers to tie his vehicle to the area when the fire was set.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, seen in a photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office on Spt. 11, 2024.
The Line Fire slows for the evening after a sudden a late-season monsoon rain storm temporarily halted its 4,000-foot elevation climb up to the edge of mountain communities on September 7, 2024 near Running Springs, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection car blocks highway 330 as the fire burns in the distance. (Photo by Jon Putman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A water dropping helicopter tries to keep the Line fire from advancing in the San Gorgonio Wilderness to the west of Angelus Oaks and Forest Falls above Highway 38 on September 9, 2024 in Mentone, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Among the charges Halstenberg faces include aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury and possession of flammable materials.

His next court date is scheduled for Monday at the San Bernardino Superior Court.

As of 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, the Line Fire covered 39,181 acres and stood at 50% containment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.

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Mitzi Mcgonagle

8d ago

I don't know this guy but I truly believe in his innocence. Norco is a dirty dirty little town, there's a pirro in town and it isn't this guy! if they don't kill you they'll frame you. it's so sad that they can get away with that.

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