ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A volcano has erupted on a remote island in Alaska, sending residents fleeing from volcanic rock and falling ash.

The volcano known as the Okmok Caldera erupted Saturday morning just hours after seismologists began detecting small tremors in the area.

The explosion has spewed ash at least 50,000 feet into the air.

Ten people, including three children, have been rescued from a nearby cattle ranch. They were picked up by a fishing boat after calling for help before their satellite phone went dead. A rescue helicopter was grounded after being damaged when it flew through some volcanic ash.

The 3,500-foot-high volcano last erupted in 1997 and has shown signs of increased activity during the last few months.

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