The objective of this study was to examine the impact of forest fire burn intensity on ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) community dynamics in ponderosa pine forests in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Ground beetles were collected in 2002 and 2003 by pitfall traps in unburned control areas, and low, moderate, and high intensity burned areas within the Jasper and Battle Creek Fires. Beetle abundance, species richness, and diversity (H’) were greatest in moderate intensity burn areas. The intermediate disturbance hypothesis may best explain the increased carabid abundance, richness, and diversity found in moderate intensity burned areas. To maintain ground beetle biodiversity, forests need to be managed to prevent forest fires from reaching high intensity burns.