A wildfire in Crowsnest, Alberta on August 21, 2003 abruptly changed direction and grew into a massive blaze. The fire's wall of flames reached 50 meters high and had the energy of an atomic explosion every 30 minutes. Local resident Elaine Hruby had to evacuate her home as authorities told her to leave immediately. She watched from a distance as the flames moved towards Hillcrest. The Crowsnest fire ultimately burned over 20,000 hectares and impacted the local timber industry and tourism. While the burned area was initially devoid of life, it will create more diversity over time as undergrowth that was previously inhibited can now develop.