Editor’s note: This story has been updated to note the 34-year-old formerly worked as a driver for FedEx and was not employed there at the time the fire started.
A 34-year-old man from Riverside County has been arrested in connection with the Line Fire, which has burned more than 33,000 acres since it erupted late last week.
Officials with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department say that Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a resident of Norco, is suspected of starting the fire on Sept. 5 in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in Highland.
Firefighters have struggled to get the upper hand on the nearly 35,000-acre wildfire, which is only 14% contained as of the latest update Wednesday.
The blaze has displaced thousands of residents forced to evacuate due to encroaching flames, as well as prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency and deploy the National Guard to assist in evacuations.
There are also several reports of homes being destroyed in the area of Running Springs.
Authorities did not provide any information on how they believe the 34-year-old started the out-of-control blaze but said in a press release that he was taken into custody Tuesday and booked at the Central Detention Center for arson.
In a press conference Wednesday, authorities said the 34-year-old, who formerly worked a delivery driver for FedEx, though not at the time the fire started, intentionally ignited the wildfire and may be responsible for others.
The release noted that the victim in this case was the “State of California.”
Halstenberg is being held on $80,000 bail.
In a statement given to KTLA, officials at FedEx said:
“Our thoughts are with those affected by the devastating Line Fire. This individual is no longer providing services on behalf of FedEx, nor was he at the time of the fire. Any further questions should be directed to law enforcement.”
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.