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Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, is accused of starting the Line Fire. He was charged with nine counts of allegedly igniting blazes across three locations in Highland, San Bernardino, California, according to authorities.

His charges include aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of residence, arson of forest land, and use of incendiary devices to start fires. He faces the potential of a life sentence.

The Norco man allegedly set the Line Fire which erupted on September 5.  It has been burning out of control for 8 days.

The Line Fire Devastates San Bernardino

On Friday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) updated the details of the Line Fire.

It has engulfed 37,743 acres across San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles, still threatens 65,100 structures, and is only 21 percent contained.

Halstenberg’s first alleged attempt was on Bacon Lane, Highland. The second was just east of Bacon Lane on Baseline – a good Samaritan stomped it out before it grew.

The County District Attorney, Jason Anderson claims that  Halstenbergs' three attempts to ignite the fires are confirmed by the presence of his truck in the vicinity of where the fires erupted.

Law enforcement used license plate reader technology to identify his vehicle.

On Thursday, Anderson, explained that the third arson has now come to be known as the Line Fire.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said: “The devastation that has unfolded due to the alleged actions of one man cannot be undone.”

“37,000 acres of forest land and mountain communities might never be what they once were.”

There have been thousands of evacuations and school closures in the area.

The fires were assisted by a record California heatwave. Triple-digit temperatures have been hindering the fire fighters' efforts. CAL FIRE anticipates that the cooler temperatures moving into the region over the weekend, will help containment of the prolific wildfires.

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Halstenberg’s Mom Defends Son

Connie Halstenberg, the suspect’s mother, defended him via text messages to the Los Angeles Times.

“I do want to say this about my baby boy,” she stated. “He did not light that fire; I repeat he did not light that fire.”

While he has done things she disapproves of, she insists her son “is not an arsonist.” 

Halstenberg, who has been refused bail, remains in jail and is scheduled to be arraigned via video on Friday in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.