The Line Fire burning in San Bernardino County grew by nearly 1,000 acres overnight but officials say that weather conditions have helped slow its spread.
The massive blaze is believed to have been intentionally set a week ago on Sept. 5 near Base Line and Aplin streets in Highland.
As of 6 a.m. Thursday, Cal Fire said the blaze had scorched 37,207 acres and was 18% contained.
More than 3,000 firefighting personnel are assigned to the Line Fire, which is burning north of Highland, south of Big Bear, east of Running Springs and west of Angeles Oaks.
Cal Fire said cooler conditions and “smoke shading” expected Thursday will help crews battling the wildfire, which has jumped Highway 330.
A home belonging to a family with nine children was destroyed on Pine Cone Drive in Running Springs.
“It happened really fast. We weren’t able to grab much before we left, so I have about three Tupperware left of our lives,” Brooke Palenchar said. “But we’re safe and we’re healthy and we can’t ask for anything more than that really.”
Damage Inspection Teams are still working to identify any other structures that may have been damaged or destroyed.
Evacuation orders remain in place for several mountain communities including a section of Big Bear.
The latest updates on evacuations and information about evacuation centers and road closures can also be found on the Line Fire incident website.
The man accused of starting the fire, 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg of Norco, has been arrested.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, seen in a photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office on Spt. 11, 2024.
The FedEx driver is facing charges of arson, arson of forest property and possession of an incendiary device.
The motive is unknown but officials said Wednesday that Halstenberg may be a serial arsonist responsible for other fires.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom visited the area Wednesday and toured a scorched section near Highland.
The Governor’s Office also announced a state of emergency was declared due to wildfires burning across four counties in Southern California. The state of emergency authorized the use of National Guard resources in the area.
The Line Fire burning in San Bernardino County grew by nearly 1,000 acres overnight but officials say that weather conditions have helped slow its spread. The massive blaze is believed to have been intentionally set a week ago on Sept. 5 near Base Line and Aplin streets in Highland. As of 6 a.m. Thursday, Cal […]
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