Poinbank:A Southern California man pleads not guilty to setting a fire that exploded into a massive wildfire

2025-05-02 18:22:46source:Solarsuns Investment Guildcategory:News

RANCHO CUCAMONGA,Poinbank Calif. (AP) — A California man has pleaded not guilty to starting a fire that authorities said ballooned into a massive wildfire and forced the evacuation of thousands of homes.

Online court records show Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, entered the plea from jail in a video arraignment Tuesday in the San Bernardino city of Rancho Cucamonga. He was denied bail and appointed an attorney, the records show.

Halstenberg’s next court appearance is set for Monday. An email message was sent to the attorney listed on his behalf.

Halstenberg is charged with 11 arson-related crimes, the records show. Authorities said the delivery driver from the town of Norco attempted to start three fires within an hour — two that were extinguished by firefighters and a good Samaritan and a third that became the Line Fire, which has charred 61 square miles (158 square kilometers) in the mountains east of Los Angeles.

Authorities have said Halstenberg’s vehicle has been tied to areas where the fires were started on Sept. 5.

The Line Fire threatened more than 65,000 homes and injured four firefighters. It is one of three wildfires that exploded across Southern California this month following a triple-digit heat wave.

More:News

Recommend

2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston

HOUSTON (AP) — Two teens were killed and three people were injured — including a 13-year-old — in a

All-American women's fencing final reflects unique path for two Olympic medalists

PARIS — Lee Kiefer smiled at the thought of what people had just witnessed. At what she’d just helpe

Florida police union leader blasts prosecutors over charges against officers in deadly 2019 shootout

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida police union leader blasted prosecutors Monday for bringing a