A chemical fuels treatment is the application of chemical agents which kill or restrict the growth of existing vegetation. This type of treatment is predominantly used to reduce the distribution of non-native, invasive, and/or exotic species by applying herbicides to a treatment area. Chemical treatments are almost always followed by another treatment such as prescribed burning and/or planting of desired vegetation species.

Yet another method for treating hazardous fuels is through the use of biological means. A biological fuels treatment involved the use of living organisms to selectively suppress, inhibit, or remove herbaceous and woody vegetation. Biological treatments rely on the consumption of plants by animals. Plant eating organisms include insects as well as grazing animals such as cows, goats, and sheep.