Contemporary wildfires further degrade resistance and resilience of fire-excluded forests

•High-severity fire effects in recent fires exceeded those of the early 20th century.•Multi-aged open-canopy forests, once dominant, were not restored by recent fires.•Peak-season wildfire reduced forest, ponderosa pine, and medium to large tree cover.•Current management hinders widespread recovery of climate- and fire-adapted forests.•Uncharacteristic high-severity fire reduces options for people and ecosystems.