The effects of fires on fauna are generally studied in a single or few groups for a short to medium term period. Fire ecological evaluations are rarely supported by different elements representing various trophic levels and spatial scales. In the present study we investigated the post-fire ecological effects on flora and fauna with regard to fire frequency and time elapsed since the last fire during the last 30 years using both the vegetation and some faunistic groups. As response parameters we used the species richness and the species composition. The results show that fast spreading surface winter fires of low to medium intensity which occur often on the southern slope of the Alps are an important factor initiating succession and adaptation processes in plants and animals, enhancing biodiversity and promoting species conservation. Moreover our study confirms the importance of an integration of different elements in the analysis that permit a better understanding of the complexity of the forest ecosystem. This is also the best way to develop judicious recommendations for post-fire management activities.