Wildfires are intrinsic ecological processes in many ecosystems, especially in Mediterranean landscapes, where vegetation and soils have evolved under specific fire regimes. However, anthropogenic influences, such as rural depopulation, the decline of agricultural activity, climate change, and fire suppression policies, have transformed natural fire regimes into unnatural ones. These altered regimes often involve increased fire severity and frequency, leading to cascading environmental effects. This article analyzes the link between fire regimes and desertification, emphasizing that it is not fire per se but the nature of the fire regime that determines its ecological impact. Unnatural regimes contribute to soil degradation, loss of vegetation structure, and reduced ecosystem resilience, creating feedback loops that exacerbate desertification. The paper discusses the direct and indirect effects of wildfires on soil, water, air, and vegetation, illustrating how recurrent and intense fires in sensitive ecosystems lead to long-term degradation. Ultimately, effective landscape and fire management strategies must recognize and restore natural fire regimes to prevent irreversible changes and maintain ecosystem services.