Gov. Brown Declares Emergency Over Dead Trees

MONROVIA, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown says dead trees around the state pose a fire hazard and has declared a state of emergency.

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1l5Scvp ) that Brown called for the swift removal of dried-out trees and has requested federal resources to help with the process before the fall and winter wildfire season.

He says the trees also pose dangers in strong storms, either from falling or as floating debris.

A dead-tree census by the U.S. Forest Service found that 22 million trees have died during California's four-year drought, and tens of millions more are expected to follow.

Brown has asked state agencies to identify the areas where dead trees pose the highest risks.

Arborist John Lynch says some trees are so stressed that even rain won't help.

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