Guatemala's Fuego Volcano Escalates, Prompting Large-Scale Evacuations

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:17:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Fuego volcano’s heightened activity triggered an orange alert and the relocation of about 400 residents.

The Fuego volcano, straddling Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez, ramped up its activity on Monday, leading Guatemalan authorities to issue an orange alert—the second‑highest emergency level. Roughly 400 people were moved from communities around the volcano to shelters in Alotenango and the city of Escuintla. Authorities ordered schools near the peak to close due to ashfall risks and urged residents to leave for safety. The same volcano erupted violently in 2018, killing hundreds. The 16‑kilometre‑wide stratovolcano lies just west of the tourist‑hopping city of Antigua, and it remains a popular hike for adventure seekers.

Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano Escalates, Prompting Large‑Scale Evacuations

The Fuego volcano, located between the Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez departments, registered a marked increase in its activity on Monday. In response, Guatemalan officials declared an orange alert – the second‑highest level of emergency – and coordinated the evacuation of about 400 residents from communities close to the volcano.

The displaced people were housed in temporary shelters in Alotenango and the city of Escuintla. Schools within a short radius of the peak were shut down to protect students from ashfall and any further eruptive hazards. Emergency services urged all residents in the vicinity to leave for their safety.

Fuego is a 16 km (10 mi) distance west of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its colonial architecture. The volcano’s prolific activity and scenic crater have made it a popular destination for hikers, though the latest surge raises serious concerns.

Historical context reminds us of the 2018 eruption, which left hundreds dead and caused widespread disruption. Read about the 2018 event here.

For further updates, follow the official government and volcanology reports and keep an eye on local news feeds that cover the ongoing situation at Fuego.