Forest fires do not have good reputation, as we tend to relate them to destructive natural disasters that sometimes also claim human victims. However, as this book explains, another less negative view is also possible if we consider that fires are part of nature and have shaped the diversity of our ecosystems over millions of years. But while there are fire regimes that are totally natural and sustainable from the ecological point of view, the large number of houses built in forested areas now makes some of them unsustainable from a socioeconomic perspective, leading to frequent land management conflicts. The branch of science that studies the role of fire on organisms and ecosystems (fire ecology) offers a scientific basis for improved land management in environments where fires have a preponderant role. To ensure sustainable resource management it is necessary to have a solid understanding of the processes involved and this work provides some basic knowledge for the general public and, in particular, students, teachers, managers and researchers interested in ecology, and to everyone who is fond of nature.