The Crowsnest fire in 2003 started as a seasonal wildfire but quickly grew out of control, burning over 20,000 hectares of forest in Alberta and negatively impacting local timber industry and tourism businesses. Resident Elaine Hruby was notified to evacuate her home at 10am and quickly packed up some belongings and her pets to flee the rapidly spreading wildfire.

1. CROWSNEST FIRE Aug. 2l, 2003

3. What had been a seasonal wildfire abruptly changed direction and transformed into a giant fire

4. In 2003 the Crowsnest fire blaze burned over 20,000 hectares of forest, affecting not only the timber industry, but also local businesses including tourism

5. Elaine Hruby a resident of Crowsnestwas notified by authoriesat 10 am to evacuate her home. She packed up a few personal belongings including her cat and dog and fled immediately