Land-use decision-making after large-scale forest fires: Analyzing fires as a driver of deforestation in Laguna del Tigre National Park, Guatemala

► In 1998-2003, 9% of deforestation took place in burned forest and 63% in 2003-2005. ► By 2003, 32% (55,658 ha) of forest has not been affected by 1998/2003 fires. ► We found no statistical relationship between deforestation and fires. ► Fire severity is the only fire-related criterion that leads to land clearing. ► Location, soils and forest species, affect decision-making of land-use after fires.