California's dying trees pose major threat - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2

Sacramento, Calif. (KCRA) — As the California drought persists, trees are slowly dying and becoming a larger threat during wildfire fights.

Officials say the number of dead trees throughout the state has nearly tripled since a tree mortality task force was created about a year ago, and according to Cal Fire, tree mortality is the largest but slowest moving natural disaster to hit California in our lifetime.

“It’s going to grow, so areas that are right now green, pristine forests, unfortunately they’re unhealthy,” says Cal Fire’s Daniel Berlant.

They’re dying from the drought and a severe bark beetle infestation, not from flames, but those dead trees are what fuels the fires that do break out.

The fuel is increasing at an alarming rate.

While the task force helps coordinate removal of dead trees near power lines and roadways, residents are responsible for trees on their property, and removing a tree can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars.