ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York officials are asking residents to help prevent wildfires now that spring is here.

State environmental and homeland security officials are holding a news conference Monday at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve to talk about what the public can do to help prevent seasonal wildfires.

Wildfires spread when it is dry and breezy. They can be started by unattended campfires, burning leaves or even cigarettes tossed from cars.

New York has more than 18 million acres of forested land.

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