Check all trees in the rose family for symptoms of fire blight. Apple, pear, crabapple, mountain ash, hawthorn are some of the affected plants. Look for blackened twigs with shepherds’ crook-shaped ends, discolored bark, and blackened, dried fruits. Carefully remove any diseased limbs, twigs, or cankers. Dip or spray the pruning tool with disinfectant spray or 10% bleach solution after each cut. Improper pruning can spread the disease.