The Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and Program Review represents the latest stage in the evolution of wildland fire management. This policy directs changes that consolidate past fire management practices into a single direction to achieve multidimensional objectives and creates increased opportunities for wilderness fire management. Objectives previously accomplished through prescribed natural fire are now achieved through application of an appropriate management response to wildland fires. The 1998 fire season provided both a test of the policy and a clear indication of future wildland fire management and benefits to wilderness management.