Can Forests Withstand and Recover from Wildfires?

Wildfires haven’t always been bad news for forests. Some forests have evolved to cope with these brutal events. Traits like thicker tree bark or heat-resistant seed pods ensure trees can survive and even thrive after fires — some forests even depend on them.

But over the last several decades, more frequent, larger and intense forest fires are burning forests that have historically not experienced nor adapted to fires. In 2024, unprecedented fires burned 13 million hectares of natural forests and planted trees, an area roughly the size of Greece, and emitted 4.1 billion tons of greenhouse gases — more than four times the emissions from air travel in 2023.

When fires become more frequent and intense, even resilient forests are vulnerable to severe damage. Added pressures such as climate change, forest fragmentation, and the spread of tree pests and diseases, can also make forests more prone to fires and less likely to recover, reducing their capacity to store carbon and support wildlife.

While recovery can occur naturally, it may take decades or even centuries. Tree planting and other interventions can accelerate forest growth after fires, especially where forests have been severely damaged or natural regeneration is not possible. But ultimately, burned areas must be left to regrow rather than be cleared for agriculture or other uses.

Here, we explore whether forests can withstand and recover from fires and how forest resilience can be strengthened through protection, restoration and management strategies.