Los Angeles, California – A California man could spend the rest of his life in prison after being found guilty of starting a massive wildfire that scorched tens of thousands of acres and forced widespread evacuations in Southern California last year.
Justin Halstenberg, a resident of Norco, was convicted on multiple felony counts including aggravated arson of forest land, arson of property, and possession of flammable materials, according to a statement from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office released Thursday evening.
The Line Fire ignited on September 5, 2024, in San Bernardino County, just east of Los Angeles. With temperatures soaring to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and dry brush acting as tinder, the fire spread rapidly. Fueled by hot weather and dry vegetation—left behind after two unusually wet winters—the blaze ultimately consumed 44,000 acres…