Line Fire: Arson suspect charged as blaze scorches 39,000+ acres

HIGHLAND, Calif. - Evacuation orders continue to be in effect for some residents in San Bernardino County as firefighters continue to battle a wildfire near Highland. 

At last check, the fire had grown to 39,181 acres and was 50% 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, one structure is destroyed, four structures damaged, and four injuries reported.

Officials said below average temperatures and moderate relative humidity continues to minimize the spread of the fire, which continues to be active in areas with remaining dry brush.

"There is opportunity to make more progress strengthening control lines and mopping up hot spots over the next several days thanks to favorable weather," Cal Fire said.

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

• 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 including San Gorgonio Wilderness

A full evacuation map can be found by tapping or clicking here.

Evacuation Warnings

• The area of Big Bear Valley east of the dam and west of McAllister Road, including Fawnskin
• All of Green Valley Lake
• Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake
• Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all campgrounds and cabins in the area

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 Shelters

• 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

SUGGESTED:

• California forecast: Heat wave to bring triple-digit temps across SoCal this weekend
• Teenagers arrested in connection with igniting Riverside brush fire

Road Closures

• Highway 330 is closed northbound from Highland Avenue to Live Oak

FOX Weather contributed to this report.