Environment: Tinder in the Hills

When a sudden cold spell struck the vast eucalyptus groves in the hills above Berkeley, Calif., last December, 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 of the tall trees died. Planted at the turn of the century in an ill-fated lumbering venture, the trees have now become a grave danger. Forestry and fire officials warn that the 3,000 acres of dead trees will present an unprecedented fire hazard this summer. The usual changing winds of late August and early September could fan a cigarette-or lightning-caused fire and send flames sweeping through the surrounding hills toward the bay...