Man accused of arson in devastating California wildfire pleads not guilty

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, was denied bail and entered his plea from jail in a video arraignment Tuesday

A California man has pleaded not guilty to starting a fire that authorities said ballooned into the rapidly spreading Line fire that has scorched at least 39,000 acres (15,783 hectares) and forced the evacuations of thousands of homes.

Online court records show that Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, entered the plea from jail in a video arraignment Tuesday in the San Bernardino city of Rancho Cucamonga. He was denied bail and appointed an attorney, the records show.