crowsnest pass 2003

Forest Fire: Crowsnest Pass 2003

Photo by: Cameron Strandbergwww.flickr.com

August 21, 2003

•Seasonal fire explodes into a raging fire

•6 km wall of flame•50 meters high•Burned 20,000 hectares of forest

Expended EnergyEnergy released was EQUIVALENT to an atomic explosion every ½ hour

Photo by: Australian Copyright Councilwww.wikipedia.com

Photo by: Cameron Strandbergwww.flickr.com

Consequences

• Residents Evacuated– Elaine Hruby – Pets, jewelry, sentimental lamp and Buddha

statue were all she could grab

• Businesses Affected– Timber Industry– Tourism

Benefits

• Spray Lake Sawmills– Use significant

amount of burnt limber

– 28% quota of annual allowable salvage rights

Photo by: Eli Sagorwww.flickr.com

Benefits Cont.-Ecological Diversity-De-barking trees keeps chips clean and reduced Carbon content-Allows development of rich undergrowth

Photo by: Emily Witcherwww.flickr.com

ConclusionForest fires are a natural disaster leaving serious consequences but we must remember the ecological benefits they provide

Photo by: Vilseskogenwww.flickr.com