The so-called Grandview Fire broke out last week and grew from eight to almost 90 acres in one night. The state later determined the blaze was caused by an escaped campfire.

The Department of Fish and Game has opened the Russian River Sanctuary to sockeye fishing early, and projects another strong run this year.

The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection says the so-called Grandview Fire was sparked by an escaped campfire and slowed when it hit a stand of hardwood.

The event came as state senators 600 miles away considered a high-stakes tax cut for the project the developer says is crucial to making it economical.

The state initially did not know what started the fire. But Alaska Division of Forestry spokesperson Emery Johnson said the state later determined it was caused by an escaped campfire.

“We have tons of pictures of loons with fishing line wrapped around their beaks, their legs and their feet and their wings, and then they can't dive, and they can't feed themselves or preen or even take flight when it's time to migrate,” said Outreach Biologist Tamara Zeller.

A wildfire near Sterling is 100% contained. A missing paddleboarder is found dead in Turnagain Arm. A cruise ship arrives in Seward with a endangered whale on its bow, dead. Plus, hundreds of Alaska projects advance to the next stage of consideration for Rural Health Transformation Program grants.

State firefighters say a wildfire that broke out in Sterling last week is 90% contained. The U.S. Senate helps preserve a deep ocean observation network that includes an installation off the coast of Alaska. Plus, twins from Bethel win top honors at an innovation competition for their work on high energy costs in rural Alaska.

On today’s episode of the Kenai Conversation, we’re joined by Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Clayton Holland.

On this week's episode of the Kenai Conversation, we're joined by Maggie Winston to talk about ongoing efforts to expand self-directed care in Alaska and Disability Pride.