PRESCOTT, Arizona: More than 1,000 firefighters and fire managers recently trained at the annual wildfire academy in Arizona. They learned about air operations, including the use of chainsaws to clear brush and building fire lines to prevent fires from spreading.

Experts predict that firefighters will be busy this year due to the expected warm and dry weather, particularly in the Southwest. Many places experienced their driest winter on record, with little to no snowfall. Dry plants and warm temperatures increase the risk of wildfires. From the Southwest to parts of the Midwest and even New Jersey, it seemed like winter would never arrive.

Roy Hall, a fire expert from Arizona, stated that the state has been experiencing dry conditions for months. He warned that fires might spread faster and be more intense this season. Weather experts reported that the U.S. experienced one of its driest winters on record, with significantly less rain and snow than usual. Flagstaff, Arizona, had 50 inches (1.27 meters) less snow than normal. New Mexico also had record-low snowfall, with Albuquerque getting only 0.12 inches (0.30 cm) of rain in three months.

Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and the Midwest have already experienced dangerous fire weather, characterized by strong winds and dry air. Fires in Oklahoma destroyed hundreds of homes in March. Crews in New Jersey and the Carolinas also battled fires due to dry conditions. Firefighters worry that without sufficient snow in the mountains, fires will be more challenging to control. Many areas are already losing their snowpack at a rate faster than usual. Even parts of Alaska are seeing less snow than normal.

A new wildfire forecast indicates that Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and even parts of Alaska and the Appalachian Mountains are at high risk for fires. By June, California will also be in danger. In January, fires there burned more urban areas than at any time since the 1980s.

Seeing wildfires spread rapidly through Los Angeles earlier this year has heightened concerns among city leaders across the West. In Arizona's San Juan County, firefighters responded to 25 wildfires in March alone. Phoenix officials are preparing additional resources to prevent fires from getting out of control. Scottsdale's mayor suggested forming a volunteer group to help clear overgrown plants that could fuel wildfires.

Christopher Reed, a fire prevention expert, said many people think wildfires are only a problem in forests. He urged homeowners to prepare by making sure their homes are protected before it's too late.

"We always say Day 1 of firefighting is now," Reed said.