Ventenata is a nonnative, annual grass that is invasive in parts of the Pacific Northwest. A review of the literature and observational evidence shows that its establishment and spread is greatest in Palouse prairie and sagebrush communities and in previously barren scablands. It also occurs in low-elevation ponderosa pine stands. Ventenata tends to dry out earlier than associated perennial grasses and remains highly flammable throughout the fire season. When growing in dense patches, it increases horizontal continuity of fine fuels and increases risk of fire spread in plant communities that historically had discontinuous fuels. On previously barren scablands, for example, ventenata promotes fire spread to adjacent Palouse prairie and ponderosa pine communities. Palouse prairies, sagebrush steppes, and scablands of the Inland Northwest are especially vulnerable to invasive grass/fire cycles fueled by ventenata. Research is underway to better understand the impacts of ventenata invasion on fuel structure and fire behavior and to test the feasibility of using prescribed fire in combination with other control methods to reduce ventenata cover on invaded wildlands.