California authorities have arrested a man on suspicion of starting the massive Line Fire, which has burned over 34,000 acres (53 square miles) in San Bernardino County. Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old resident of Norco, California, was taken into custody on Tuesday and is currently being held on arson charges. The Line Fire is one of several wildfires ravaging southern California, with firefighters struggling to contain the flames as they threaten thousands of homes.

The Line Fire, which is just 14% contained as of Wednesday, has forced thousands of residents to evacuate and endangered more than 65,000 structures. Firefighters are facing immense challenges as the fire burns through steep terrain, especially near the Big Bear area, with strong winds and dry conditions exacerbating the situation. Authorities have not yet disclosed how Halstenberg allegedly started the blaze, which is currently stretching firefighting resources thin.

Nearly 2,000 firefighters, along with support from the California National Guard, have been deployed to combat the fire. Helicopters are being used for water drops, but the difficult conditions continue to hamper containment efforts. Despite the widespread threat, no fatalities or structural damage have been officially reported so far, although local media indicate that at least one building in Running Springs has been destroyed.

In addition to the Line Fire, two other major wildfires are causing havoc in the region. The Bridge Fire, which ignited on September 8 in the Angeles National Forest, has already spread to 46,700 acres (71.8 square miles). Meanwhile, the Airport Fire, which started on Monday, is burning between Orange and Riverside counties and has grown to 22,300 acres (34.8 square miles). Both fires are currently 0% contained, with their causes under investigation.

California has been experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 111°F (43°C) in some areas. However, cooler weather is forecast for the rest of the week, providing a glimmer of hope for firefighters battling these devastating blazes.