Results of microclimatic measurements made at 4 sites which had been burned 0, 1, 2 and 24 yr previously are compared to a mature open spruce-lichen woodland control site for the period 1974-1975 at a western subarctic research area at latitude 61.degree. N. Measurements show that there is a substantial reduction in net radiation over burned surfaces. This is accompanied by an even greater reduction in evaporation except for the freshly burned surface. Soil temperatures are greatly increased at burn sites during the growing season but this effect is not as significant on an annual basis. Implications of the changes in the energy budget are discussed particularly in light of the long time period for postfire recovery.