The Crowsnest wildfires in August 2003 started as a seasonal fire but quickly grew out of control, with flames reaching 50 meters high and generating as much energy as an atomic bomb every 30 minutes. Residents were forced to evacuate their homes, including Elaine Hruby who had to leave her house with just her pets and a few items. The fires burned 20,000 hectares of forest and had significant impacts on the local community through reduced tourism and effects on local businesses like Spray Lake Sawmills, which used salvaged burned lumber, though burned areas can create new ecological diversity over time.

1. CROWSNEST FIRES