This study investigates the emergence of a human-dominated fire regime in Australia's tropical savannahs over the past 150,000 years. By analyzing micro-charcoal and stable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (SPAC) accumulation rates, as well as grass pollen percentages and carbon isotopes, the researchers found that a significant shift occurred around 11,000 years ago, transitioning from less frequent, more intense fires to more frequent, less intense fires. This change marked the overprinting of a largely natural fire regime by one modulated by Indigenous land management practices. The findings highlight the long-term influence of human fire use on fire regimes and the potential for future catastrophic fires due to the cessation of Indigenous fire management. The study also suggests that reintroducing Indigenous fire management strategies could help mitigate the impacts of extreme fires and enhance carbon sequestration.This study investigates the emergence of a human-dominated fire regime in Australia's tropical savannahs over the past 150,000 years. By analyzing micro-charcoal and stable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (SPAC) accumulation rates, as well as grass pollen percentages and carbon isotopes, the researchers found that a significant shift occurred around 11,000 years ago, transitioning from less frequent, more intense fires to more frequent, less intense fires. This change marked the overprinting of a largely natural fire regime by one modulated by Indigenous land management practices. The findings highlight the long-term influence of human fire use on fire regimes and the potential for future catastrophic fires due to the cessation of Indigenous fire management. The study also suggests that reintroducing Indigenous fire management strategies could help mitigate the impacts of extreme fires and enhance carbon sequestration.