California black oak responses to fire severity and native conifer encroachment in the Klamath Mountains

► We model effects of encroaching trees on California black oak post-fire mortality. ► The dominant encroaching species surrounding focal oaks was Douglas-fir. ► Proximate Douglas-fir height was significantly related to post-fire oak mortality. ► Heat load index was significantly related to post-fire oak mortality. ► Restoration may not be achieved with conventional approaches.