Line Fire: Arson suspect charged as blaze scorches 38,000+ acres
HIGHLAND, Calif. - Evacuation orders are in effect for thousands of residents in San Bernardino County as firefighters continue to battle a fast-growing wildfire near Highland.
At last check, the fire had grown to 38,804 acres and was 36% contained. Members of the California National Guard were sent in to help fight the fire and to help secure evacuated neighborhoods.
RELATED COVERAGE: Line Fire: Alleged arsonist faces 9 charges as estimated damages exceed $14.5M
Justin Halstenberg, 34, was arrested by sheriff's deputies on Tuesday after he was identified as the man who sparked the fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in Highland back on September 5.
Authorities said Halstenberg's truck was identified by license plate readers as being in proximity to the areas where the fires started, which was crucial in establishing a timeline and pinpointing the start of the wildfires.
The motive remains under investigation.
According to Cal Fire, over 65,000 structures remain threatened, but none have been damaged or destroyed.
In an update Thursday, Cal Fire said the north and east sides of the fire burned "with the greatest intensity" due to winds. However, cooler weather and shade from smoke will help moderate growth of the fire, officials said.
Damage Inspection Teams are working in the area to identify any structures that are damaged or destroyed.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has since proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County to secure federal assistance to support the fire response.
‘They Will Be Arrested’
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus vowed to crack down against those looking to break into homes that are vacant during the evacuations.
"Please know that all the law enforcement officers and the National Guard are going to treat your homes just like we treat our own homes," Dicus said. "Rest assured that if anybody comes out and attempts to loot in this county, they will be arrested and they will be prosecuted."
Evacuation Orders
- All undeveloped land east of Hwy 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue
- Communities of Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake
- The community of Forrest Falls
- The community of Mountain Home Village
- The communities of Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all campgrounds and cabins in the area
- Green Valley Lake north from Highway 18 along Green Valley Lake Road
- San Bernardino issued Forest Order NO. 05-12-00-24-09, creating a Forest Closure Area around the Line Fire. All National Forest lands, trails, and roads are closed to the public within that zone.
A full evacuation map can be found by tapping or clicking here.
Evacuation Warnings
- From Calle Del Rio east to Highway 38 and from Greenspot Road north to the foothills
- From 210 Freeway east to the foothills and from Greenspot Road north to the foothills
- The communities of Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Twin Peaks, Crestline, and Valley of Enchantment
- The area from Garnett Street east to Bryant Street and Carter Street north to Mill Creek
- The area of Big Bear Valley from the dam to Cactus Road
- The area of Big Bear from the dam east to Wildrose Lane and the south shoreline south to Bluff Lake Basin
- Areas in Fawnskin, Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, and Baldwin Lake
- On Friday, the sheriff's department lifted the evacuation warnings for the Highland area from Hwy 210 to Calle Del Rio St. and the foothills south to the city limit.
Evacuation Shelters
- San Bernardino County FairgroundsBuilding 614800 7th StreetVictorville, CA 92395
- Jesse Turner Community Center15556 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA 92336
- Hacienda Heights Community Center15556 Summit AvenueFontana, California 92336 (800) 733-2767
Animal Evacuation Shelter
- Lancaster Animal Care Center (Small Animals)5210 West Avenue ILancaster, CA 93536
- Palmdale Animal Care Center (Small Animals)38550 Sierrra HighwayPalmdale, CA 93534
- Devore Animal Shelter (Large and Small Animals)19777 Shelter Way,San Bernardino, CA 92407Business Hours: (909) 386-9820After Hours: (800)472-5609
- Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals)2551 W Avenue H,Lancaster, CA 93536
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Road Closures
- Highway 38 is closed between Bryant Street and Lake Williams.
- Highway 18 is closed from Kuffel Canyon to the Big Bear Dam.
- Highway 330 is closed northbound from Highland Avenue to Highway 18.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
FOX Weather contributed to this report.