PRESS PHOTO BY SCOTT M. NAGYA cornfield in the area of Mechanicsville and Ringer roads in Whitehall is damaged after a brush fire Nov. 17. Emergency crews were called to the area about 2:30 p.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The area’s low rainfall levels, strong winds and fluctuating temperatures have created a heightened risk of fires, prompting Lehigh County to announce a temporary countywide burn ban through Dec. 15.