US man arrested for allegedly sparking California’s Line Fire
Police in California have arrested a man on suspicion of starting the Line Fire – a major wildfire that has burned more than 34,000 acres (53 sq miles) in the state.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old resident of Norco, California, was stopped on Tuesday for arson and is being held in lieu of bail, officials said.
The Line Fire is one of three major wildfires sparked in the last week that are burning out of control in southern California, stretching firefighter resources and threatening thousands of homes.
As of Wednesday morning, the Line Fire was 14% contained.
Police did not provide details on how Mr Halstenberg is alleged to have sparked the massive blaze, which is burning in San Bernardino County, about 60 miles (96km) east of Los Angeles.
Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate the area and the fire threatens over 65,000 structures.
CalFire officials say the blaze continues to grow in steep terrain, making access difficult, especially near the Big Bear area.
The fire has been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, though firefighters hope cooler weather forecast for later in the week will help their efforts.
The structures under threat, both homes and commercial properties, include some 13,300 in areas currently under evacuation orders.
No fatalities or structural damage have been reported as a result of the Line Fire to date. However, photos taken by the Los Angeles Times appear to show at least one building in Running Springs, a community in the San Bernardino Mountains, has been destroyed.
Nearly 2,000 firefighters are battling the blaze. The California National Guard is also supporting the fire response with crews and aircraft, including helicopters for water bucket dropping operations.
Another blaze – the Bridge Fire – is burning in the Angeles National Forest. It started on 8 September and has exploded in size to 46,700 acres (71.8 sq miles).
Its cause is under investigation, according to CalFire.
Footage of the blaze circulating on social media shows the fire engulfing ski lifts at California’s Mountain High Ski Resort.
A third wildfire, the Airport Fire, was ignited on Monday.
It is burning in an area between Orange and Riverside counties and is 22,300 acres (34.8 sq miles) in size.
The Airport Fire has reportedly destroyed several homes, but officials have yet to provide details.
Large plumes of smoke from the blaze were reportedly seen from as far as the Los Angeles airport.
The Los Angeles Times, citing sources within the Orange County Fire Authority, reported that the fire was likely started by a spark from heavy equipment used by road workers in the area.
Both the Bridge Fire and the Airport Fire are 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.