In 1974, residents of Stika, Alaska reported smoke rising from the top of the dormant volcano, Mt. Edgecumbe. Alarmed, the coast guard sent a helicopter over to investigate. As it turned out, the smoke was the result of a local resident, Oliver Bickar, burning a large pile of tires near the summit. He had planned the prank for several years but had to postpone it for clear skies. 

The prank was well received and featured in advertising for flights to Alaska. 

~*~