Norco Arsonist Will Spend 16 Years To Life In Prison For Setting 44,000-Acre Line Fire

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — A 35-year-old Norco arsonist convicted of setting the devastating 44,000-acre Line Fire in San Bernardino County last year is headed to prison, and he could be there for the rest of his life.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Judge Cheryl C. Kersey sentenced Justin Wayne Halstenberg to 16 years to life in prison on charges related to igniting the Line and the Bacon fires that began in early September 2024.

As of Monday, Halstenberg remained jailed in San Bernardino County but is expected to be transferred to a state prison to serve out his sentence.

At the time of his sentencing, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson sent a message to residents impacted by the defendant's crimes.

"It’s clear that Halstenberg’s intent was sheer destruction and devastation," Anderson said in a released statement. "Our mountain communities will be impacted by his crimes for many years, and additional lengthy and ongoing environmental recovery efforts.

"I want our communities to know that we stand with you, and hope that with this verdict and life sentence, you can be assured that a serial arsonist will no longer torment our County," Anderson continued. "I want to also thank the men and women of the jury for their time and consideration."

Prosecutors believe Halstenberg attempted multiple times on Sept. 5, 2024, to ignite a fire. His first attempt occurred on Bacon Lane in Highland, but the blaze was reported and extinguished by firefighters.

His second arson occurred just east of Bacon Lane on Baseline Street, where a good Samaritan managed to extinguish the fire. Undeterred, Halstenberg ignited a third blaze, which became the massive Line Fire, according to prosecutors.

The fire destroyed two buildings, damaged five more, and left six firefighters injured, according to Cal Fire.

The fire forced thousands of residents in San Bernardino County mountain communities to flee their homes and businesses for weeks. The blaze also cost millions of dollars in firefighting and first responder resources. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the fire.

On Sept. 10, 2024, Halstenberg was arrested at his Norco home on suspicion of sparking the Line Fire after Cal Fire investigators reviewed surveillance video and automatic license plate readers that placed him at the scene. He was subsequently charged with 11 counts of arson, including using incendiary devices to set multiple fires.

As of Dec. 23, 2024, the fire was reported 100 percent contained at 43,978 acres.

On May 23, 2025, Halstenberg was found guilty of starting the Line Fire, including seven counts related to the blaze. He was also found guilty on two counts related to the Bacon Fire.