Arsonist sentenced to 16 years to life for Line Fire that forced Redlands-area evacuations

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. — A Norco man has been sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for setting two wildfires that burned across San Bernardino County in 2024, including the Line Fire that scorched 44,000 acres and forced mass evacuations in mountain communities near Redlands.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Judge Kersey sentenced Justin Halstenberg, 35, for igniting the Bacon and Line fires in September 2024.

The Bacon Fire was quickly extinguished by a good Samaritan, but the Line Fire grew to 44,000 acres, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes, closed local schools for days and costing millions of dollars in firefighting and recovery resources.

“It’s clear that Halstenberg’s intent was sheer destruction and devastation,” said District Attorney Jason Anderson. “Our mountain communities will be impacted by his crimes for many years, and additional lengthy and ongoing environmental recovery efforts.”

Anderson added, “I want our communities to know that we stand with you, and hope that with this verdict and life sentence you can be assured that a serial arsonist will no longer torment our county. I also want to thank the men and women of the jury for their time and consideration.”

The case was investigated by Detective Jacob Hernandez of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Highland Station, along with Cal Fire Battalion Chief Matthew Kirkhart and his team of investigators.

It was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Justin Crocker and Andrew Peppler, with Judge Kersey presiding.