A massive forest fire burned through the Crowsnest area on August 21, 2003, creating a 6km wide and 50m tall wall of flames with the energy equivalent to an atomic explosion. Residents were evacuated as the fire veered towards the town of Hillcrest, burning over 20,000 hectares of forest land and damaging the local tourism and forestry industries. However, ecologically, the burned areas will favor new undergrowth.

1. Crowsnest Forest FiresAugust 21, 2003

2. 6 kilometer wall of flame

3. 50 meters high

4. Energy equivalent of an atomic explosionAt 10 am authorities asked residents to evacuate“ I didn’t know what to take…..You start doing crazy things” ( Elaine Hruby)Hruby watched in horror as the flames veered down on Hillcrest“ I felt masochistic…..but those flames were like a magnet”

5. 20 000 hectares burned Tourism and local business