The Crowsnest Fire in August 2003 was a large wildfire that burned 20,000 hectares of forest in Crowsnest, Alberta. Elaine Hruby was forced to evacuate alone while her husband was away on business, hastily grabbing essentials and pets before driving to escape the flames. Though devastating, the fire also had a diverse ecological impact on the region and stimulated new growth, as forest fires can give rise to biodiversity.

1. The Crowsnest Fire: August 21, 2003

2. A 6-km wall of flame reached 50m into the sky, throwing off the energy equivalent of an atomic explosion every 30 minutes.

3. Her husband out of town on business, Crowsnest resident Elaine Hruby was forced to evacuate. Alone…

4. Hastily she grabbed the essentials, her pets…

5. … and jewellery

6. Then drove madly for 20km to a point overlooking the destruction, where she recalled being unable to look away from the sadistic horror of the flames.

7. All told, 20,000 hectares of forest were scorched by the blaze.

8. However, this event had a surprisingly diverse effect upon Crowsnest industry.

9. And where there is death, there is also life. As forest fires give birth to ecological diversity.