RUNNING SPRINGS, CA — An investigation into human skeletal remains found during a weekend patrol of an area closed due to the Line Fire was continuing Monday, though the grim discovery is likely unrelated to the blaze, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The bones were found by Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station deputies at approximately 3:44 p.m. Saturday along Highway 330, south of City Creek Road, in Running Springs, according to the sheriff’s department.
“The bones appear to have been in that location for an extended period of time and investigators do not believe the cause of death is related to the fire,” the sheriff’s department reported.
There was no word as to whether foul play is suspected. The San Bernardino County coroner’s office is working to determine the identity and cause of death of the deceased.
The sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division is conducting the death investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the division at 909-890-4804. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
As of Monday morning, Cal Fire reported the Line Fire had burned 39,026 acres and was 42% contained.
To date, crews have determined that four structures were damaged by the fire and one was destroyed. Inspections include residences, multi-family dwellings, outbuildings and commercial buildings, according to Cal Fire.
Three firefighters have been injured battling the blaze.
Evacuation orders continued Monday for all undeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue, according to Cal Fire. The San Bernardino National Forest is closed in and around the fire.
Several communities remain under an evacuation warning and Highway 330 is closed. See complete lists here.
Human and animal evacuation shelters remained open Monday. Find the lists here.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, the 34-year-old Norco man accused of intentionally setting the Line Fire on Sept. 5 is scheduled to appear at an arraignment hearing Monday in San Bernardino County.
He is expected to enter pleas on nine felony charges filed Thursday by the district attorney’s office, alleging Halstenberg set three fires in Highland. Prosecutors said the first fire was extinguished by the local fire department and the second was stomped out by a passerby before the third spiraled out of control into the Line Fire.
If he is found guilty on all charges, he could face life in prison.
