As temperatures start to trend upward into spring, the risk of wildfires in Alberta is trending upward too, both in forest and grass regions.

Michelle Huley, Wildfire Information Officer for the Peace River Area with Alberta Wildfire, spoke about how preparations have gone for this year’s wildfire season, saying that "firefighters are trained, positioned, and ready to go by the time the snow fully melts."

Huley said that since January, Alberta Wildfire has recorded 36 fires that burned 43 hectares. Wildfire season officially started March 1, and Huley says now is the time to start being cautious in forested areas.

"We just want people to keep in mind, if they're out and about, especially before the grass and trees turn green, you need to be extra careful to prevent those fires before they start," Huley said.

During this time of year, wildfires can sometimes be used as a tool to prevent more from happening in the future.

Hazard reduction burns and controlled fires are utilized to prevent large scale wildfires from occurring, according to Alberta Wildfire. Firefighters use these burns on built up grass and other vegetation within forests to prevent largescale wildfires from occurring in the future. Hazard reduction burns are also used to get rid of pests, as insects can infect trees, and eventually entire forests and disrupt the ecosystem and food chain. Hazard reduction burns can help get rid of those pests and save an entire forest.

For the best wildfire prevention, Huley says to "check your hot spots, or debris if you're off-roading. If you're having a campfire, soak it and stir it multiple times. Just be careful out there."

More information of wildfires in Alberta can be found here.

Listen to the full CFWE interview below with Michelle Huley: