Each year, fuel treatments reduce the likelihood of uncharacteristically severe wildland fire in overstocked stands across millions of acres in the United States. Typically, these treatments target small-diameter trees for removal, producing large amounts of unmerchantable material and increasing surface fuels. Currently, few commercial markets for this woody material exist, so it is commonly piled and burned onsite. Occasionally, unplanned wildfires burn piles before managers are able to burn them under controlled conditions. Little has been written or documented about piles burned during wildfires, making it difficult to assess the threat posed by unburned piles. In an effort to better understand the prevalence, causes, and impacts of unplanned burning of piles, we reviewed the available literature and interviewed managers from across the country. A review of the literature suggests that treated units with unburned slash piles and untreated units with ladder fuels will experience similar fire behavior and effects. What follows is a first step that will hopefully call attention to the issue and help frame incisive questions for future research.