In this section we outline both ecological and societal aspects of wildland and prescribed fire. We review the historical role and extent of fire and the effects of settlement and land use changes. The influence of fire exclusion policies on historical disturbance processes is considered in light of modern landscape conditions. This provides the basis for discussion of significant, recent changes in Federal wildland fire policy and new initiatives for accelerating use of prescribed and wildland fire to achieve resource management objectives. Finally, we present examples of the impacts of wildland smoke on air quality human health, and safety.