Scientists studied fungi that thrive in burned soils after wildfires. They discovered these ‘fire-loving’ fungi have special genes for breaking down charcoal and acquiring nutrients, but this specialization comes at a cost—they grow more slowly than other fungi. The research identified three main evolutionary strategies these fungi use: duplicating useful genes, sexually reproducing to create genetic diversity, and occasionally borrowing genes from bacteria. These findings could help develop treatments to restore polluted or fire-damaged soils.