California Arson Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Starting Line Fire That Burned 61 Square Miles

The Line Fire jumps Highway 330 as an emergency vehicle drives past near Running Springs, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2024. Eric Thayer/AP Photo

A California man pleaded not guilty to starting a fire that expanded into a destructive wildfire and led to thousands of home evacuations.

Justin Halstenberg entered the plea in a video arraignment from jail in the West Valley Detention Center in San Bernardino County on Tuesday.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

The 34-year-old delivery driver tried to start three fires within an hour, authorities alleged.

Though the first two were extinguished by a firefighter and a local citizen, the third became the Line Fire that burned 61 square miles (37,111 acres) of forest and mountain communities east of Los Angeles.

San Bernardino County District Attorney District Attorney Jason Anderson said the damage done by the Line Fire can’t be undone.

“My hope is that with the investigative efforts of our law enforcement partners and thorough prosecution of this case, we can offer some measure of justice,” he said in a statement.

Anderson announced the charges on Sept. 12, in connection with the Line Fire, which he said was started in the city of Highland on Sept. 5.

The criminal complaint alleges that Halstenberg “willfully, maliciously, [and] deliberately” started the fires with “intent to cause injury” and property damage.

The fire caused more than $7 million in property and other damage, the complaint reads.

The Line Fire was among three major fires that spread across Southern California and prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to proclaim multiple states of emergency on Sept. 7 and 11.

“California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we’ll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort,” he said at the time.

Anderson said that based on the investigation, Halstenberg’s first attempt at starting a fire was extinguished within an hour by local firefighters.

His second attempt was “stomped out by a good Samaritan.”

Anderson said the suspect was “undeterred,” and moved on to start the fire that became known as the Line Fire.

Halstenberg is being charged with one count of aggravated arson, one count of arson causing a firefighter injury, one count of arson of a residence, three counts of arson of forest land, and three counts of the use of an incendiary device.

Because the Line Fire is still burning, additional charges related to the damages may be filed.

As of Sept. 17, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that the Line Fire was 49 percent contained.

A total of 3,684 personnel, 14 helicopters, and 363 fire engines have been assigned to fight the fire.