Guatemala Volcanic Alert: Fuego Erupts, Evacuations Underway

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:49:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Fuego volcano erupts, trigger orange alert, 400 residents evacuated, schools shut to avoid ash fallout near Antigua.

On Monday the Fuego volcano in Guatemala’s Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez regions intensified its activity, sparking a government‑issued orange alert. Roughly 400 residents fled to temporary shelters in Alotenango and Escuintla city, while schools in the vicinity were closed to curb the risk of ash fall and further eruptions. Emergency services urged communities to evacuate for safety as the volcano, only 16km from the historic city of Antigua, continued its volatile behaviour. The event echoes the deadly 2018 eruption that claimed hundreds, underscoring the persistent danger posed by this active stratovolcano.

Eruptive Escalation at Fuego volcano

On Monday, the Fuego volcano, situated between the Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez regions, surged in activity, prompting Guatemalan authorities to issue an orange alert – the second‑highest emergency status.

The heightened eruption prompted the evacuation of about 400 residents from communities surrounding the volcano. They were relocated to temporary shelters in Alotenango and the city of Escuintla. Nearby schools closed their doors due to the risk of ash fall and potential further volcanic activity.

Emergency services urged residents to leave their homes for safety. The Fuego volcano is only 16km (10 miles) west of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city popular with tourists and hikers, heightening the stakes of the eruption.

The eruption illustrates the volatile nature of Fuego, which in 2018 produced a violent eruption that killed hundreds. The current ash emissions and lava spewing are a grim reminder of the volcano’s unpredictable behaviour, underscoring the continued need for vigilance and preparedness.