The Crowsnest Fires in August 2003 started as a seasonal wildfire but grew tremendously to flames 50 meters high and 6 kilometers long, throwing off energy equivalent to an atomic bomb every 30 minutes. Residents were evacuated in the morning as Elaine Hruby watched the growing fire with anxiety. The fires impacted the local tourism economy and businesses like Spray Lake Sawmills, which received 28% of the annual salvage rights for burned lumber depending on root damage and costs. Ecologically, fires are beneficial in the long run for regenerating new and diverse growth, though they initially leave burned areas looking bad, and this fire burned over 20,000 hectares of forest and upset the local tourism economy.

1. Crowsnest Fires August 21, 2003 Photo By Caneles

2. A Giant Wall of Fire Started as a seasonal wildfire Eventually grew to be 50 meters high and 6 km long Threw off the energy equivalent of an atomic bomb every 30 min

4. Elaine Hruby’s Story- Felt anxious and worried - “You start doing crazy things” - Drove out of town and watched the fire - “Those flames were like a magnet”

5. Economic Effects Tourism Spray Lake Saw Mills Local Businesses

7. Will salvage as much lumber as they can depending on:- Amount of root scorch - Cost to pursue the salvage

9. PROS: Burned areas allow for more new and diverse growth