Can gullies preserve complex forest structure in frequently burnt landscapes?

► Our study examined whether the effect of frequent fire on forest structure varied with topography. ► Forest structures examined included tree hollows, log volume and vegetation complexity. ► Vegetation complexity was reduced by frequent fire on ridges, but remained unaffected within gullies. ► The longevity of hollow trees may be reduced by frequent burning, though this effect may be mitigated within gullies. ► Gullies may provide refugia for fauna dependent upon complex vegetation and hollows within frequently burnt landscapes.