Fire is ubiquitous in the boreal forest region.
Conifer bogs burn less frequently than upland sites. Northern white-cedar is susceptible to fire damage due to its thin bark, high oil content, and shallow roots. Fire in peatlands usually results in rapid establishment of black spruce from seed. Black spruce cones are semi-serotinous and are held high in the crown. Sprouting of understory species depends on fire severity and the depth of perennating tissues.