The Times Union has stories of fire and ice locally. H. Rose Schneider reports that the National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch through May 18. They warn that the below freezing temperatures could kill plants and freeze outdoor pipes. While overnight lows are normally around 50 degrees this time of year, a high-pressure system from Canada is bringing cold, dry air that could drop below 32 degrees at night, especially at higher elevations. Mike Goodwin reports that there is also a high risk for wildfires across much of New York, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. A DEC alert published May 16 said, “High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.” Read more about both of these stories in the Times Union.