Regional Mountain Conference

Climate change which we observe in rising of average annual temperatures, unevenly distributed annual precipitation, global reduction of snow cover, spring droughts, lengthening of summer draughts will posisbly increase fire risk in Alpine and pre-Alpine environments. Knowledge on fire occurrence, severity, and ecosystem impacts is therefore essential for effective fire management and the rehabilitation of burned areas. This contribution analyses a national registry on forest-fire occurrence and severity for 1995–2025, and links fire statistics with operational response and post-fire restoration practice. We assessed intervention efficiency and the role of the public forest service within selected case studies. In addition, we evaluated the impacts on mountain forest ecosystem functions and the effectiveness of post-fire regeneration measures using restoration plans and data on implemented regeneration actions. Results indicate that most fires under consideration in 1995–2025 were small (<1 ha burned land). Nine large fires (>100 ha burned land) occurred, accounting for roughly one fifth of the total burned area in last 30 years. Human activities caused the majority of ignitions, while lightning was a rarer source. Except of direct tree loss, fires can trigger cascading effects, including reduced protective functions, increased soil exposure to erosion, and potential impacts on productivity, biodiversity, and water retention; large burned areas also diminish social functions such as recreation and tourism. The Slovenian Forestry Service (SFS) is working on forest fire management cycle—that include prevention, preparedness, response support, and recovery. During active fire suppression, SFS operational role is limited and mainly supportive (e.g., providing stand and field orientation information and advising on forest constraints). SFS key contribution lies before and after fires: through close-to-nature silviculture and risk reduction that lower the likelihood and severity of forest fires, and through leading post-fire rehabilitation to secure ecosystem recovery and reduce secondary hazards. Accordingly, the SFS prepares post-fire forest rehabilitation plans, coordinates and supervises salvage logging where appropriate, and ensures forest recovery, together with erosion-control measures. Regeneration prioritises close-to-nature approaches, using natural regeneration when feasible and planting or sowing only when needed. We conclude with targeted improvements for fire-resilient management in European mountain forests.