As Beloved National Forest Burns, Cops Arrest Alleged Arsonist

A man suspected of arson in California's devastating Line Fire has been arrested by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. Police made the announcement on Tuesday, Sept. 10, revealing that Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, CA, had been located and placed under arrest. He is being held in lieu of $80,000 bail.

Halstenberg is accused of starting the fire in the city of Highland on Sept. 5. The wildfire spread to over 34,000 acres, burning large areas of the San Bernardino National Forest on the outskirts of the San Bernardino–Riverside metro area often called the Inland Empire. As of publication it was just 14 percent contained, and is expected to continue growing Wednesday due to "elevated winds and continued dry conditions."

Related: Wildfire Smoke Spreads Dangerous Bacteria and Fungi, Study Finds

According to The New York Post, Halstenberg has been charged with "Arson of an inhabited structure, Arson of forest land, and Possession of flammable material DVC Arson." 

The Line Fire has forced evacuations of nearby communities, including the popular outdoor recreation area of Big Bear Lake. And it's not the only one burning in the area. The Bridge Fire, in nearby Los Angeles County, made headlines today after a webcam caught the Mountain High Ski Resort being consumed by flames.