The functional roles of fungi in recovery of forest ecosystems after fire remain poorly documented. We
observed macrofungi soon after fire at two widely separated sites, one in the Pacific Northwest United
States and the other in southeastern mainland Australia. The range of species on-site was compared
against macrofungi reported after the volcanic eruption at Mount St. Helens, also in the Pacific
Northwest. Each of the three sites shared species, particularly representatives of the genus Anthracobia.
Soon after disturbance, we noted extensive mycelial mats and masses of fruit-bodies of this genus,
particularly at heavily impactedmicrosites. Themycelial mats appeared to play an important functional
role on-site, possibly aggregating soil particles in otherwise highly erodable landscapes. We hypothesise
that fungi such as Anthracobia are pivotal species in early system recovery after disturbance, helping
minimize the movement of soil in the absence of plant roots. As plant root systems recover, the
importance of these fungi in soil stabilization may diminish. Other functional roles of early postfire fungi
might include nutrient acquisition, leading to the reestablishment of vegetation. These potential roles
need to be experimentally tested and relevant findings incorporated into programs aimed at restoring
forest ecosystems after disturbance.