Forest fires have played an important role in determining the type and composition of forest ecosystems in the temperate region of North America. The close association between fires and forest ecosystems has helped the resource manager to interpret the significance of fire in reforestation, which in turn has induced him to use burning for this specific purpose. Until very recently, however, most of the burns in Canada have been carried out primarily for slash-fire-hazard reduction. Considerations in the planning and use of prescribed fire for hazard reduction and reforestation are inextricably linked and sometimes complementary. In addition to protection and reforestation objectives, prescribed burning should find wide application in the management of wildlife habitats and watersheds. Recommendations are made to assist resource managers and the public in appreciating more fully the present and potential role in fire in the forest ecosystems. © The Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada. Abstract reproduced by permission.