Overview

• The Line Fire, ignited on September 5, 2024, burned 44,000 acres, injured six firefighters, and forced over 11,000 residents to evacuate.
• Halstenberg was convicted on nine counts, including seven related to the Line Fire and two tied to a subsequent blaze.
• Investigators linked Halstenberg to the fire using automated license plate reader data and DNA found on coins in a homemade ignition device.
• Prosecutors presented evidence of Halstenberg testing similar ignition devices in Jurupa Valley in 2023, which shaped their case against him.
• The defense argued that prosecutors failed to place Halstenberg at the ignition sites, but the jury ultimately found him guilty.