The Crowsnest Fire burned over 20,000 hectares of forest in August 2003, forcing evacuations and damaging local businesses like forestry and tourism. While the fire was destructive, it created environmental renewal by opening up space for undergrowth diversity, food for wildlife, and ecological diversity. In 2009, signs of regrowth were evident as the area recovered from the large wildfire six years prior.

1. Crowsnest Firehttp://www.interfire.org/features/wildfires.asp

2. Wild fire: suddenly out of controlA wall of fire: 50 meters high, 6 km longProducing energy equivalent to an……every 30 minutes.August 21st, 2003:http://robotronik.wordpress.com/2007/10/

3. Elaine Hruby’s EvacuationHer check list: CatDogMining lamp Jewelry Small plastic Buddha Her final task…Saturday morning 10 a.m.

4. …Watch the flames devour Hillcrest.http://www.fireground.com/

5. 20,000 hectares of forest burnedBusinesses hit hard by fireForestryTourismSpray Lake Sawmills To salvage burnt lumber for profitTaking stock after the blazehttp://photos.mlive.com/grandrapidspress/2009/04/solon_township_forest_fire_1.html

6. Environmental renewal created by fireOpen space = undergrowth diversity

7. Food for grazing wildlife