Although windthrow and insect outbreaks are the main disturbance factors that determine the dynamics of balsam fir stands in maritime regions, forest fires also occur. However, such fire events are infrequent and there is little available information on their long-term importance (over hundreds or thousands of years). The present study used pedoanthracological research techniques to reconstruct the history of natural fire events on Bonaventure Island (Québec). This small island is situated at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, and the forested area is dominated by balsam fir and white spruce. Fifty samples of mineral soil were collected from across a 500 m2 study plot, and macroscopic (< 2 mm) charcoal remains were extracted, identified and dated. In total, 7 pieces of charcoal were found. Analysis of these revealed that 5 originated from deciduous species, 1 from a coniferous tree, and 1 was of unknown origin. The 14C dating revealed that the age of the charcoal pieces was from 7780 to 8400 years before present (calibrated years). These results suggest that natural fire events occurred on Bonaventure Island during the millenia immediately following deglaciation. The island seems to have been free of natural fire events for approximately 7700 years, and it was at the start of this period that the dense balsam fir stands formed.