Authorities arrest man on suspicion of arson in Line Fire; blaze grows to 36K acres

A 34-year old Norco man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire that has now burned more than 36,400 acres in the San Bernardino Mountains, authorities announced Wednesday.

The fire, which began Thursday afternoon at the edge of open space and homes, has forced evacuations in Big Bear, Running Springs and other mountain communities.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a contract delivery driver from Norco, was arrested Tuesday, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. He is accused of starting the fire near Base Line Street and Alpine Street in the city of Highland, authorities said.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus announced at a Wednesday morning news conference that Halstenberg is suspected of intentionally setting the fire, and investigators are looking into the possibility that he may be responsible for setting others. Dicus said automatic license plate readers captured a license plate of a vehicle connected to Halstenberg near where the Line Fire began.

Dicus declined to say exactly how the fire was set, noting the investigation is in its early stages.

The sheriff added that at least two people have been taken into custody on suspicion of illegally entering an evacuated area in Running Springs. More than 150 law enforcement officers and 120 members of the National Guard are patrolling and conducting security in evacuated areas.

Authorities warn that more than 73,000 — including homes and businesses — have been threatened.

Location and size of Line fire as of Wednesday afternoon. Evacuation orders (red) and warnings (gold).

(

Courtesy CalFire

)

The basics

• Acreage: More than 34,650 acres as of Wednesday afternoon.
• Containment: 18%
• Cause: Arson
• Structures destroyed: None reported
• Deaths: None
• Injuries: 3 firefighters
• Personnel assigned: 3,179

Where things stand

The fire broke out Thursday and has grown quickly. It was burning a few miles away from Big Bear as of Wednesday afternoon.

Dry, unstable conditions with gusty onshore winds will continue to challenge firefighters, even as temperatures drop. Cal Fire warned that power shutoffs were still a possibility for parts of Big Bear and Big Bear Valley areas.

There have been no confirmed structure losses, though fire officials were looking into a report of one structure that may have been lost or damaged in Running Springs on Tuesday.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday in San Bernardino County to secure federal assistance for firefighting efforts.

Unhealthy air expected to continue

Unhealthy air expected to continue

Smoky air are expected to continue to impact San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties as the fires burn, authorities said.

We have a guide on how to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke.

Evacuation map and orders

Evacuation orders have been issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for the following areas:

• Areas of Big Bear from the dam east to Wildrose Lane and Shoreline South to Bluff Lake Basin. Highway 18 is the only exit route toward Lucerne Valley.
• Green Valley Lake north from Highway 18 along Green Valley Road.
• All underdeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue.
• Communities of Running Springs, Arrow Bear Lake, Mountain Home Village, Forrest Falls, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all nearby campgrounds.

Evacuation warnings

The following warning have been issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (authorities say residents who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock, should leave immediately):

• From Boulder Avenue east to Church Street and Greenspot Road north to the foothills.
• From Calle del Rio east to Highway 38 and from Greenspot Road north to the foothills.
• From 210 freeway east to the foothills and from Greenspot road north to the foothills.
• The communities of Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Twin Peaks, Crestline, and Valley of Enchantment.
• Big Bear Valley from the dam to Cactus Road.
• Garnett Street east to Highway 38 and Mill Creek north to the foothills.
• Garnett Street east to Bryant Street, Carter Street north to Mill Creek.
  

Evacuation shelters

For people:

• San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Building 6 at 14800 7th Street, Victorville
• Jesse Turner Health and Fitness Community Center at 15556 Summit Avenue, Fontana
• Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Ave., Hacienda Heights (subject to change)

For animals:

• Devore Animal Shelter, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (large and small animals). Call (909) 386-9820 or (800) 472-5609 (after hours)
• Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 Wave I, Lancaster (small animals)
  Palmdale Animal Care Center, 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale (small animals)
• Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Avenue H, Lancaster (large animals)

Road closures

According to Cal Fire:

• State Route 38 is closed in both directions between Bryant Street and Lake Williams.
• State Route 18 is closed in both direction between Kuffle Canyon to the Big Bear Dam.
• State Route 330 is closed in both directions between Highland Avenue to Live Oak.

More info on arson arrest

Halstenberg, who was arrested Tuesday, is being held in county jail in lieu of $80,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in San Bernardino Superior Court on Thursday, according to jail records.

Sheriff's officials are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact Detective Jake Hernandez at (909) 425-9793. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME or go to wetip.com.

Resources to prep and cope with wildfire

• Listen to The Big Burn, our podcast that will get you motivated to get ready
• Wildfires are getting worse. What you need to know
• Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
• Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
• How to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke
• This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
• What does 'containment' of a fire mean, exactly
• What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
• If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer

Editors Fiona Ng, Tiffany Ujiiye and Megan Garvey, and reporter Erin Stone contributed to this report.