Local News

Updated post: 6/26 at 1:30 p.m

The Unalaska Department of Public Safety (UDPS) is investigating a tundra fire near Volcano Bay. The fire was reported by two area pilots earlier this month.

While the fire does not pose a threat to residents of Unalaska, UDPS is looking into where they fire started. At this point, they have been unable to determine a point of origin.

As of Friday, they estimate that the fire has burned 100 acres of land.

Scientists have had a hard time monitoring Bogoslof volcano since it started erupting in December. The island is so small, there is no equipment on the volcano, making it difficult to predict eruptions.

No one lives on Bogoslof – the closest human neighbors are 60 miles away in Unalaska. Scientists monitor from afar and they’ve had a lot to monitor lately. The volcano has erupted more than 40 times since December.

On Wednesday, Federal officials apologized for their role in the World War II internment of the Unangan people.

Jim Kurth — acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — traveled to St. Paul Island to speak with survivors and descendants.

“As much as we wish, we cannot take back the course of history,” Kurth said. “But what we can do now is heal together. We can work together.”

Following an undercover investigation, police have seized 3.5 pounds of marijuana from an accused drug dealer.

The Unalaska Department of Public Safety says Harmon “Danny” Fisher, 59, sold pot to undercover operatives seven times over the last several months — including once to a minor.

While commercial marijuana sales are legal in Alaska, Deputy Police Chief Jennifer Shockley said Fisher’s operation broke state law.