SAN BERNARDINO – (INT) – A Norco man has been handed a 16-year to life prison sentence for starting two fires near Highland last year.

The largest, the Line Fire, covered 44-thousand acres and forced thousands to flee their homes. Fire-fighting costs eclipsed millions of dollars.

One home near Running Springs and the Keller Peak fire lookout were destroyed.

The smaller blaze, dubbed the Bacon Fire, was quickly extinguished by a Good Samaritan the same day.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus said a vehicle observed at the fire scene was traced to Justin Halstenberg’s residence in Norco where additional evidence was found.

Last May, a San Bernardino jury convicted Halstenberg, 35, on nine charges.

“It’s clear that Halstenberg’s intent was sheer destruction and devastation, said District Attorney Jason Anderson. Our mountain communities will be impacted by his crimes for many years, and additional lengthy and ongoing environmental recovery efforts,” Anderson said.

Story Date: October 6, 2025