Bigcone Douglas-fir is one of only a few western conifers capable of sprouting following fire.
Mature trees sprout vigorously from the branches and bole after burning.
The trunk and main branches of bigcone Douglas-fir have many dormant adventitous buds, which are insulated from fire beneath thick bark. Fire or other damage to the tree stimulates cell division and growth in these buds. Rates of deforestation by slope class range from 84 percent for slopes of less than 10 degrees to 51 percent for slopes between 30 and 39 degrees.