A wildfire in the Crowsnest region of Alberta, Canada rapidly grew out of control, spreading across over 20,000 hectares of forestland and forcing evacuations. The fire destroyed timber resources and impacted local industries like tourism. While the fire caused immediate economic losses, it provided longer term benefits by creating new biodiversity and salvaged lumber that was used locally at reduced environmental cost.

1. Crowsnest Fires Aug. 21, 2003 What had begun as a seasonal wildfire suddenly escalated to a top story event . Picture by http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/photos/alta_fire030731.jpg

2. A wall of flame reached 50 m high and spanned over 6 km affecting all the area’s inhabitants.

3. Elaine Hruby – a citizen’s experience 10 a.m. - authorities told her to leave immediately Her husband – working that day She stopped on a rock ledge to watch the flames

4. Disaster The Damage The Bright Side Over 20,000 hectares of forest destroyed Timber and tourism industries hit hard Lumber salvage efforts are costly Economically Time Temporary lack of life Spray Lake Sawmills benefits from the burnt lumber The burnt area will eventually lead to an otherwise unavailable biodiversity After de-barking, chips from that lumber will have a reduced carbon content

5. Six Years Later Picture by Rolf Hicker http://www.hickerphoto.com/data/media/11/crowsnest_pass_T0080.jpg