In Romania the risk of forest fires is one of the highest in terms of probability of manifestation but the level of impact is relatively low compared to other types of risks. While Romania hasn't yet faced extreme fires, there are instances where emergency forces are overwhelmed by the occurrence of multiple small and medium sized wildfires simultaneously in a particular area. Climate scenarios indicate that countries that have not traditionally faced a significant risk of forest fires, such as those in Eastern Europe, will experience an increase in this hazard in the near future. This paper provides a general overview of the natural, social, and institutional context of forest fire defense in Romania with a focus on forest managers which are the first responders to fire incidents and proposes measures for its improvement within a best practices guide. It outlines the causes of forest fires in Romania, including historical trends and seasonal vulnerabilities and pinpoints the challenges and deficiencies of Romanian forest fires management system. The responsibilities and duties of forestry structures and personnel in preventing and combating forest fires are presented, along with the legal framework for fire management, roles of forestry personnel, intervention forces, and the involvement of forest owners in operational response. Overall, the paper shortly addresses the complex aspects of forest fire prevention, response and management, aiming to enhance forest managers capacity in protecting Romania's forest ecosystems against the threat of forest fires.