With high winds and dry conditions, State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers are warning the public about the increased risk of wildfires. 

“As you can feel, the wind will blow any small fire and make it very large and [that] may be a damaging fire,” said Col. Andrew Jacob, NYS DEC Forest Rangers.

As the agency's map highlights, the risk is highest in the Capital Region. Of the 14 fires that have burned across the state since Monday, eight happened nearby.

“That’s what happens. Until we get some rain you are going to have these really dry conditions and if you couple that with that wind, unfortunately there is a chance for wildfires," said Albany Pine Bush Preserve Executive Director Chris Hawver.

Hawver oversees 3,200 acres that he says can be ripe for forest fires. The organization routinely carries out prescribed burns to thin the forest and minimize the natural fuel on the ground.

“Here, just like many other open areas, it could be a very big problem,” Hawver said.

For many parts of the country, the risk for wildfire is greatest during the summer when it is hot and dry. In the northeast, experts say the most dangerous time is now.

“The driest part of the northeast is right now; right after snow melted and before the leaves come out," Hawver said.

“In the spring, the leaves are not out so that solar radiation on the old leaves and dead grass make them very dry and literally able to burn,” Jacob said.

The state has instituted a burning ban until mid-May. Forest Rangers also recommend safety disposing of cigarettes and ashes from stoves and fireplaces. 

"Even a little spark in there with the wind will blow into the woods, or a field, or lawn, and will catch that on fire,” Jacob said.