HIGHLAND, Calif. — Click here for the latest updates on the Line Fire in San Bernardino County.
Evacuations continue as the Line Fire expands in San Bernardino County on Thursday as crews work to control the blaze.
Cal Fire said the wildfire burned about 37,207 acres and is 18% contained. The fire started amid an intense heatwave in Southern California.
Fire activity was less intense overnight due to cooler weather and good moisture levels, according to Cal Fire. Cooler weather today along with smoke shading will help moderate fire growth. The blaze has injured three firefighters.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office said a Norco man was arrested on suspicion of starting the Line Fire. Justin Wayne Halstenberg was booked into the Central Detention Center on an arson charge. He was held in lieu of $80,000 bail.
Investigators collected evidence from the man's vehicle and home that suggests he could have been involved in starting other fires, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Wednesday.
The fire started Sept. 5 around 6:30 p.m. near Baseline Road and Aplin Street in Highland, CA.
In San Bernardino County, some 65,600 homes and buildings were under threat by the Line Fire, and residents along the southern edge of Big Bear Lake were told to leave Tuesday.
California is only now heading into the teeth of the wildfire season but already has seen nearly three times as much acreage burn than during all of 2023.
Links to Follow:
Evacuation Map
Find information on evacuation shelters and road closures HERE.
An evacuation map for San Bernardino County is available below.
Fire Map
This map from the National Interagency Fire Center shows fire activity (this may take a few seconds to load):
Wildfire Preps
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for lvocal warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
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