The reserve has highly significant bioregional values and conserves a link between the Richmond River flora and that of the Guy Fawkes and Macleay Rivers. Despite its small size the reserve contains a diversity of native vegetation, with 330 plant species recorded.
It includes a southern outlier of the dry rainforests of the Richmond Valley, the value of which was initially recognised through its dedication as a flora reserve, and more recently by its gazettal as a nature reserve.
As the name of the reserve suggests, fire has been a key factor in influencing the distribution of native vegetation communities in the reserve.
