Authorities say the man started the line fire still raging A Southern California man is innocent, his mother said, while investigators try to connect him to police. More intentionally set fires,
As told by Connie Halstenberg Los Angeles Times “Did not light that fire. I repeat did not light that fire,” his “baby,” Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, said in a text message.
She said she doesn't always approve of her son's actions, but “he's not a person who helps others.” arsonist,
Apart from this, she refused to make any comment and said that she would not talk to journalists about the allegations against her son.
San Bernardino County prosecutors filed formal criminal charges against Halstenberg on Thursday.
He was charged with multiple counts of arson, including using an incendiary device to start a fire and arson causing grievous bodily harm.
Five firefighters were injured while battling the Sept. 5 blaze, which has burned through more than 38,000 acres of forestland. The fire was only 25 percent contained Saturday, according to Cal Fire, the state agency tasked with controlling wildfires. The blaze is believed to have sparked other fires in the region, prompting residents to evacuate.
The Bridge Fire, the largest in the state, burning nearby, has grown to nearly 53,000 acres since starting a week ago and was 0 percent contained Saturday, according to California Fire data.
Additional charges may also be filed depending on other damage caused by the fire.
Investigators allege Halstenberg attempted to set multiple fires over the course of an hour in the town of Highland, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles, the Times reported.
The first time, a fire started at Bacon and Little lanes, which firefighters reported and put out. Then, prosecutors said Halstenberg tried again just east of Bacon Lane, but a passerby noticed the fire and put it out.
Detectives recovered an “incendiary device” and other key evidence from his home and car.
Halstenberg traveled throughout San Bernardino County for his work as a FedEx contract delivery driver.
Police are now looking at other arsons in the county, and will reportedly compare dates and times obtained from the FedEx truck's GPS.
