A wildfire in Crowsnest, Alberta grew rapidly, transforming into a giant fire with flames reaching 50 meters high and releasing energy equivalent to an atomic explosion every 30 minutes. As authorities evacuated households, Elaine Hruby watched helplessly from a safe distance as the intense, magnet-like flames destroyed her town of Hillcrest. While the fire burned over 20,000 hectares and impacted local industries, some ecological benefits emerged as 28% of burnt lumber was recycled, new plant growth sprung up, and biodiversity increased in the affected areas.