CROWSNEST FOREST FIRESInformation and Aftermath

Photo By: Old Shoe Woman

CROWSNEST FOREST FIRES

August 21, 2003: Wind changes cause a seasonal fire to grow out of control

6 km long, and a 50 m wall of fire The fire produced the energy equivalent of

an atomic bomb every 30 minutes

Photo by: intuitive cat

CROWSNEST FOREST FIRES – EFFECTS

Officials and residents were forced to act quickly

Elaine Hruby was home alone when the evacuation order came. She packed her pets, an old mining lamp of her husbands’, her jewellery, and a plastic Buddha. “...I didn’t know what to take...you start doing

crazy things.”

Photo:MCpl Eric Jacques Canadian Forces Garrison Edmonton ImagingPhoto by: CanadaGood

CROWSNEST FOREST FIRES – EFFECTS

Upon leaving her home, Hruby drove 20km along the valley, to a rock ledge overlooking the valley to watch the flames. “I felt masochistic...but those flames were like a

magnet.”

Photo By: rickz Photo By: intuitive cat

CROWSNEST FOREST FIRES - EFFECTS

20,000 hectares of forest fell victim to the flames

Many businesses were adversely affected, the timber and tourism industries being hit the worst.

Photo By: pinegar

CROWSNEST FOREST FIRES - EFFECTS

Most local businesses were able to maintain steady business.

Spray Lake Sawmills used salvage rights to use the burnt lumber that was still usable.

Ecologically, the fire was also positive, allowing for the development of rich undergrowth and ecological diversity.

Photo By: Pat Rioux