EASTON, Pa. -- A massive fire at Wharton State Forest in New Jersey is now mostly contained, after burning 4,000 acres over several days. It's forced people to think about what else can go up in flames in these hot, dry conditions.
That whole situation has many people on alert, since you're seeing bone dry grass throughout the region, plus tons of distressed trees. Some trees have lost the majority of their leaves or have leaves turning yellow or brown, showing they're in need of water.
When the sun stays sizzling and day after day is dry, "all lawns, medians, sides of the highways, they're very susceptible, especially if people are throwing, still-hot cigarettes out, they can easily ignite," said Robert Christopher, the urban conservation manager and the forester for the City of Easton.
Open areas, like corn fields and industrial parks, are among the places where flames flourish.
Crews have been battling a massive fire at Wharton State Forest in New Jersey since last week.
Investigators have determined Fourth of July fireworks are to blame for sparking that blaze that destroyed thousands of acres.
Christopher says in the Lehigh Valley, sparse sprinkles of rain just haven't been enough to improve the low moisture levels. The conditions have him paying extra attention to fire hazards.
"Evergreens that might be growing along the edges of roads, especially junipers, any low growing shrubs, the sap the resins that are in them," said Christopher. "If you have anything you planted of course this year, you really almost have to water it every day."
Those recently planted need extra attention too, like a row of trees at Easton's Scott Park.
"These we've been watering once a week by filling these bags that hold 20 gallons of water," said Christopher.
People can use gator bags that slowly release water. They can also add a meter to their hoses to make sure their trees are getting enough to drink.
"Just soaking the ground around the root system, nothing on the foliage or anything like that, just soaking the ground," said Christopher.
The forester says he's noticing plants in more urban areas, like the West Ward, are needing more water than those in areas with more greenery, since the heat is radiating off of concrete and solid surfaces.
