Authorities in San Bernardino County have charged a 34-year-old man in connection with the Line Fire, which continues to rage through the region. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that it has brought multiple arson charges against Justin Wayne Halstenberg of Norco. The Line Fire, which began on September 5th in the City of Highland, has since scorched over 37,000 acres, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney.

Halstenberg is accused of starting multiple fires within a short time frame, with allegations supported by various pieces of evidence. As reproted by the San Bernardino County District Attorney, Halstenberg's first attempt to ignite a fire was quickly extinguished by local firefighters. A second attempt was foiled by a bystander, and a third became what we now know as the Line Fire. This disastrous event has resulted in one burned residence and a firefighter injury so far.

The charges filed against Halstenberg include aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of a residence, arson of forest land, and the use of incendiary devices. The District Attorney, Jason Anderson, spoke of the dire consequences of Halstenberg's alleged actions, stating, “The devastation that has unfolded due to the alleged actions of one man cannot be undone. 37,000 of forest land and mountain communities might never be what they once were.”