The Crowsnest forest fires of 2003 started as an uncontrolled wildfire that grew into a massive 6km wall of flames. Local residents were evacuated as the flames approached Hillcrest. Elaine Hruby chose to watch the fire from a distance, finding it mesmerizing. Over 20,000 hectares of forest burned, damaging the timber and tourism industries, though some salvage efforts recovered lumber. While the burned area initially looked desolate, forest fires provide ecological benefits and the region saw new plant growth that enriched the diversity of the forest.