Burning characteristics of backfires, headfires, and no-wind fires in fuel beds of ponderosa pine needles were compared at the Northern Forest Fire Laboratory. Data gathered under controlled laboratory conditions indicate that fires backed into the wind (backfires) consistently burn slower, longer, and deeper than fires burned with the wind (headfires). In this investigation, increasing air velocity had a marked effect on headfires, but did not significantly change the rate of spread and other burning characteristics of backfires. Field studies are needed to establish more conclusively the differing capabilities of headfires and backfires in preparing seedbeds and planting sites.