Fuego Volcano Erupts Again: 400 Evacuated Amid Ash Threat

Sun Sep 06 2026 07:00:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts, prompting an orange alert and evacuations of 400 residents as ash threatens nearby towns. Schools closed and emergency services advise people to leave.

On Monday, the active Fuego volcano in Guatemala intensified its activity, leading authorities to issue an orange alert – the country’s second‑highest emergency level. About 400 people were evacuated to temporary shelters in Alotenango and Escuintla as ashfall and eruption risks climbed. Schools in surrounding areas shut down while emergency services urged residents to abandon their homes for safety. The event follows the deadly 2018 eruption that killed hundreds and highlights the enduring danger to Antigua’s tourist core and hikers.

Watch: Evacuations as Guatemala volcano erupts

On Monday, the Fuego volcano—sitting between Escuintla, Chimaltenango, and Sacatepéquez—creased its activity, prompting Guatemalan officials to issue an orange alert, the second highest emergency level in the country.

Emergency services evacuated roughly 400 people from communities near the volcano, sending them to temporary shelters in Alotenango and the city of Escuintla. Schools close to the flank were shuttered due to ash and the threat of further eruptions.

“Leave your homes for your safety,” urged authorities as the mountain sent ash and lava toward populated areas. The volcano’s recent flare echoes its violent 2018 eruption that killed hundreds.

Fuego lies just 16 km (10 miles) west of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage tourist hotspot drawing visitors to admire its colonial architecture. The volcano is also a popular destination for hikers.

For more coverage, see a live video of the eruption and ash plume.