Arsonist accused of deliberately setting line fire to face trial for serious crime

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, California. – The arsonist connected to the devastating Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest was scheduled to go on trial on Friday.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Line Fire: Nine charges are brought against suspected arsonist, estimated damage exceeds $14.5 million

Justin Halstenberg, 34, was arrested by sheriff's deputies Tuesday after he was identified as the suspect who allegedly set the fire in the area of ​​Baseline Road and Alpin Street in Highland on Sept. 5.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office announced that nine charges have been filed, including one count of aggravated arson, one count of arson causing serious bodily injury and one count of arson of an inhabited structure or property. In addition, three counts of arson on forest land and three counts of possession of materials or equipment for arson were filed.

Halstenberg is also accused of setting two other fires within an hour of each other on the same day the Line Fire broke out. Authorities said evidence was secured after a search warrant for his Norco home showed the suspect attempted to set all three fires using incendiary devices.

Investigators said his first attempt occurred on Bacon Lane in Highland before the fire was reported and extinguished by local firefighters.

His second suspected arson occurred east of Bacon Lane on Baseline and was trampled down by a Good Samaritan.

According to investigators, he was not deterred and started a third fire that reached enormous proportions, burning over 14,000 hectares of land, destroying at least one house and injuring a firefighter.

“We have to remember that this is also an evolving incident. We don't know what's going to happen,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said during a press conference Thursday.

If convicted of aggravated arson, he faces up to 10 years to life in prison. Additional charges may be brought for further damage to the building or injury, as this is an ongoing fire hazard.