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

2. Crowsnest Fires Aug. 2l, 2003 What started as a seasonal wildfire abruptly changed direction and transformed into a giant fire. A 6-km wall of flame reached 50 m into the sky. The fire was suddenly whipping over the slopes, throwing off the energy equivalent of an atomic explosion every 30 minutes.

3. Residents Forced from Homes 10 a.m. Saturday morning, authorities told Elaine Hruby to leave her house immediately She grabbed her cat and dog and a few small items and drove 20 km west Watched in horror as the flames grew

4. Affects on Community 20000 hectares of forest burned Tourism hit hard Spray Lake Sawmills uses the salvagable burnt lumber

5. Environmental Pros and Cons Pros Cons burned area creates ecological diversity and allows for the development of rich undergrowth Burnt timber is black and unattractive Not as attractive for tourism