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« Last post by Wrightwood on May 23, 25, 12:13:49 PM »
Advisory: Sheriff Shannon Dicus Issues Statement on the Conviction of the Line Fire Suspect
DATE/TIME: September 10, 2024
INCIDENT: THE LINE FIRE ARREST/LINE FIRE CONVICTION
SUSPECT(S): Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34-year-old male resident of Norco
VICTIM(S): State of California
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UPDATE: May 23, 2025
Justin Halstenberg was found guilty of seven counts related to the Line Fire and two counts related to a subsequent fire. The convicted charges include aggravated arson of forest land, property, and possession of flammable material.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus stated, “This conviction sends a clear message—those who threaten our communities in San Bernardino County will be held accountable. I’m incredibly proud of our Highland Station and CalFire investigators for their relentless pursuit of justice. I’m grateful to the District Attorney’s Office for standing with our residents and their expert prosecution of this case.
The Line Fire scorched nearly 44,000 acres, affected more than 100,000 residents, and forced evacuation warnings or orders across tens of thousands of homes. Over 150 Sheriff’s personnel, supported by our municipal and state law enforcement partners and the National Guard, worked around the clock to safeguard lives and property.
I’m equally proud of our community’s resilience—for standing strong and supporting us every step of the way. This outcome is a huge victory for the City of Highland, our Mountain residents, and all the firefighters who fought a massive battle protecting lives, homes, and property. Once again “SB County Strong!”
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SUMMARY: Highland Station detectives, in collaboration with Cal Fire investigators, identified Justin Wayne Halstenberg as the suspect who started a fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in the city of Highland, also known as the Line Fire, on September 5, 2024.
On September 10, 2024, Halstenberg was located and arrested. Halstenberg was booked at the Central Detention Center for P.C. 451 - Arson and is being held in lieu of $80,000 bail.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Jake Hernandez of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department - Highland Station at (909) 425-9793. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME or go to wetip.com.
Refer: Detective Jake Hernandez
Station: Highland Station
Phone No. 909-425-9793
Case No. 132403401
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department