Abstract: Due to the influence of human activities and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, forest fires continue to occur frequently, and fire patterns (e.g., season, frequency and intensity, etc.) change accordingly. Although fires with different frequencies and intensities occurred in Quercus forests, most Quercus species have evolved the ability to survive after periodic fires. It is necessary to elucidate the responses of Quercus to forest fires and reveal their adaptive strategies. In this review, we introduced the characteristics and flammability of Quercus forests, natural renewal of Quercus forests, the adaptations and responses of individuals and populations to fire disturbance, and discussed the adaptations and responses of Quercus forests to fire. We then analyzed the problems in current research, and put forward the future research direction. The results can provide scientific basis for the selection of tree species for ecological restoration, the selection of fire resistant tree species, and the construction of biological fireresistant forest belt, which is conducive to the suitable afforestation and management of Quercus forest in China, especially for the selection of Quercus species with strong fire resistance in areas with frequent fires. Meanwhile, the results can help improve the efficiency of Quercus forest management, so that the goal of a comprehensive utilization of Quercus could be achieved, with their ecological, economic and social benefits being fully explored.

Key words: fire disturbance, fire influence, fire adaptation, fire response, Quercus.