This study examines the effect of heat shock on the seed germination of Larix gmelinii, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica and Picea koraiensis from a fire-prone forest in the Great Hing'an Mountains. Seeds of the three species were exposed to a range of temperatures (80,100,120, and 150℃) for different exposure times (1, 3, 5 and 10 min). The results show that the germination rate of Larix gmelinii seeds decreased significantly (P < 0.05) relative to the control when seeds were subjected to 100℃ for 10min, 120℃ for 5min and 10min, and 150℃ for 5min. With the exception of exposures at 80℃ for 1, 3 and 5 min; 120℃ for 1min; and 150℃ for 1min, the germination velocity index of Larix gmelinii seeds showed a significant(P < 0.05) decrease for all other heat shock treatments. For sylvestris var. mongolica, the germination rate subsequent to all heat shock treatments above 80℃ decreased significantly (P < 0.05)relative to the control. Even to the point where no germination occurred at all. At the same time, the germination velocity index for every heat shock treatment higher than 80℃ decreased significantly at 1min exposure. For Picea koraiensis, the germination rate increased significantly (P < 0.05) relative to the control when subjected to heat shock treatments of 80℃ for 5min and 100℃ for 1min. Moreover, the germination velocity index increased significantly(P < 0.05)for heat shock treatments of 80℃ for 1, 3, and 5min and 100℃ for 1min. On an overall basis, Larix gmelinii seeds was able to maintain standard germination rate after a transitory high intensity heat shock of 150℃; however, it cannot tolerate a longer heat shock, the influence of transitory high intensity heat on the germination rate was more significant than that on the germination velocity index. Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seeds were quite sensitive to a heat shock above 80℃: the germination rate sharply decreased with a 100℃ heat shock and almost no seeds germinated above 100℃. Picea koraiensis seeds are capable of tolerating an instantaneous (1min) high intense heat shock (150℃), and a light heat shock over short time periods(1min, 3min, 5min)for 80℃ (100℃ for 1min included) stimulated seed germination of Picea koraiensis.