Examines economic feasibility of managing nonslash fuels in mature timber to reduce the costs and damages of wildfire. A 1.2-million-acre (496,000 hectare) study area is stratified by timber value, fire occurrence rate, and fuel hazard. Maximum potential fuel management benefits-based on the elimination of expected class E+ fires-are estimated for each stratum and compared to treatment cost estimates. Concludes that fuel treatment to protect timber alone is not economically feasible, but may be justified if treatment enhances other forest values such as wildlife habitat, livestock forage, etc.