[This is not the abstract; do not cite.] As part of a broader study to examine interactions between fire and spruce-lichen woodlands, dendrochronological samples, including 13 fire scars and 57 stand-origin dates, were collected across a small study area located in spruce-lichen woodland in the south-central Brooks Range (Walker Lake) and used to infer fire history for a 220 year period (burned burned 1913 and 1891). Black spruce established within 2 decades after fire, white spruce more slowly. Few trees established after 35 years, due to poor seedbed in lichen mat. Soil moisture regime is a major factor in determining the vegetative composition. Because of the slow tree growth, narrow crown form and eventual termination of seedling establishment, these stands developed slowly. Stand canopies will probably remain open for several centuries, even in the absence of fire, allowing the continued dominance of the understory by lichens.