Prescribed fires create a wide range of exposures to liability for the individuals, groups, or agencies involved. This article examines general principles of tort law, strict liability for ultrahazardous activities, negligence per se, and volunteer and personal liablity. Approaches to avoiding or mitigating liability exposure include risk avoidance, contractor-conducted prescribed fires, liability insurance, and risk management. Damage claims have resulted from escape fires, smoke-related incidents, injuries to prescribed-fire crew members, and deaths. Training standards and precautions can reduce accidents and resulting damage claims and are an important part of any prescribed fire program. © Natural Areas Association. Abstract reproduced by permission. Further information Email: naa@natareas.org