Where there's smoke, there's fire

Bethel's 2013 snowcano started out as more of a smokano, but after 40 minutes of billowing smoke, the snow volcano burst into flames Saturday night. Hundreds of people turned out to watch, waiting in chilly temperatures and a biting wind. While some left just before the mountain ignited, those who stayed saw a roaring display. Engineer JIm Sysko said the logs inside the hill were burning the entire time from the bottom, but the flames took time to work their way to the top. This Saturday's events will include snow groomer rides, sledding on the snowcano hill and at 6 p.m., a "Railwars" rail jam at the site.