Some residents may have noticed Kodiak brown bears getting into their trash cans in certain areas of the borough lately. Borough staff say they, too, have noticed an increase in bear activity recently. But Alaska Department of Fish & Game officials say these encounters are common this time of year.

“The driver heard small explosions, pops coming from the load – once we arrived on scene we could hear the same thing,” said City Fire Chief Frank Dorner. No injuries were reported.

No injuries were reported. The road was closed for about two hours as crews put out the fire and checked the building, owned by Highmark Marine Fabrication, for damage.

Fire officials across Alaska are looking to improve fire and fume safety by distributing and installing new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. According to an email from the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office, they’re prioritizing residences with elders, in-home childcare facilities, individuals with disabilities, or low-income households.

The Coast Guard received a report of an empty blue kayak in the water west of Woody Island on Aug. 26. A helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak later found an unresponsive man on the beach nearby.

According to an emailed statement from the Kodiak Fire Department, the odor of ammonia was strongest around 517 Shelikof Street, where the Silver Bay Seafoods plant is located.

KPD officers practiced entering stressful and potentially dangerous situations like responding to armed suspects on July 19. The department held its training at Kodiak Middle School.

Dock users at Kodiak’s biggest boat harbor, St. Herman Harbor, are being urged to keep an eye out for eagles in the area, as several attacks have been reported in the last week.

Many Kodiak residents may have heard wailing sirens on the evening of July 3 into the early morning of July Fourth, as emergency responders were called to three separate ATV accidents.

The pyrotechnic store has been open for over 40 years, however a fire sent explosions shooting from the building last month. In lieu of a storefront, the business is taking pre-orders by phone.