The sun shines through the trees.

Framingham, MA - The litter layer refers to the layer of dead leaves, twigs, and other organic material that litters the ground in wooded areas. Many people don't realize just how much of a fire hazard this material poses in early spring.

With no leaves on the trees, the full heat of the early spring sun makes it's way through the trees.  Although the ground may still be wet from snow melt and spring rains, the topmost layer of organic material quickly dries posing a fire threat in and near wooded areas.

Many residential neighborhoods in Framingham are heavily wooded.  Over the winter, leaves, twigs and other materials may have fallen from trees or been blown from the surrounding area and collected in corners of flower beds, along fences, or up against the side of a building. ...[read more]