HIGHLAND, CA – ”On Wednesday Oct 1st, the Honorable Judge Kersey sentenced Justin Halstenberg, (35) of Norco, to 16 Years to Life in prison for charges related to igniting both the Bacon and Line Fires in September of 2024.
The Bacon Fire was found and extinguished by a good Samaritan, but the Line Fire grew to 44,000 acres, forcing thousands of residents in the mountain communities to flee their homes and businesses for weeks. Additionally, the Line Fire cost millions of dollars in firefighting and first responder 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.”…