This article describes the development of community-based integrated fire management planning in response to destructive forest fires on national forests in east-central Honduras. These pine–oak forests are co-managed by a complex of community interests that include local peoples, a forestry cooperative, development agencies and national authorities. The pine–oak forests of Honduras form the largest eco-region in a country with the highest deforestation rates in Central America. A case study is presented that describes a community-based initiative situated within the context of community-based natural resource issues of power, participation, and local management. Insights are drawn from experiences in managing pine–oak forests within a complicated institutional framework with an aim to understand the socio-ecological landscape and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue regarding the role and definition of local community.