The Crowsnest Fire in 2003 burned over 20,000 hectares of forest land, severely impacting the local lumber and tourism industries. A woman was forced to immediately evacuate her home with few possessions as the fast-moving fire approached. She watched from a safe distance as the fire consumed the landscape, feeling both masochistic and unable to look away from the destruction. While the fire devastated the area, leaving it black and appearing devoid of life, it created conditions for new, more diverse undergrowth to develop going forward, potentially increasing the region's ecological diversity.

1. Crowsnest FireAugust 21, 2003Presented By:AllyssaBernerEducation 3508

2. Seasonal Fire6 Km wall reaching 50 m highEnergy = Atomic explosion every 30 minutes

3. Elaine HrubyHusband working awayImmediate evacuation at 10 amVery disoriented departure“I don’t know what to take”Few posessions grabbed

4. 20 Km driveWatched from a rock overhangFeelings of being masochisticCouldn’t stop watching

5. The Aftermath20,000 hectaresLumber industry and local businesses affectedTourism hit hardSome businesses not affected

6. Spray Lake SawmillsUsed the burnt lumber28 % quotaSalvage what they canReduce the wasteRoot scorch and cost affects salvage effort

7. Ecological Pros and ConsLooks black and devoid of lifeBUTLarge forests inhibit undergrowthNew, diverse undergrowth can developEcological diverse area

8. Questions?Comments?