"Forest ecosystems are under increased stress because they have less water due to extending summer conditions, which makes trees unable to move water, and stay healthy. Our research group has been finding these extreme conditions among many cedar trees in the city, which is a microcosm of what we are seeing in regional forests," Shandas says. "And urban developments are popping up closer to large swaths of forests, and create conditions where even small pit fires or sparks can unintentionally ignite large fires."