FAO considers forest fire management and related activities an integral part of the conservation and sustainable management of forests, which is at the core of the forestry programme of the Organization. Activities related to the use of fire as a tool as well as those related to fire prediction, prevention and control have received long-standing attention in FAOs programmes. FAO has consistently provided information and technical assistance to its Member States and to the international community in the area of forest fire prevention, control and management within the framework of the regular and field programmes. The proposed FAO Strategic Framework includes provision for a database on forest fires and technical assistance in forest fire management, and the focussing of attention on policy, legal and institutional issues related to forest fire management.