Guatemala Volcano Fuego Rises, Evacuating 400 Residents

Mon Sep 14 2026 06:29:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Fuego volcano has increased activity, prompting authorities to issue an orange alert and evacuate hundreds. Schools nearby are closed amid ash fall danger.

The Fuego volcano in Guatemala, situated between Escuintla, Chimaltenango, and Sacatepéquez, has spiked its activity, leading the government to declare an orange alert—the second‑level emergency. Roughly 400 people were evacuated from valley communities and taken to temporary shelters in Alotenango and the city of Escuintla. Nearby schools were shut down to protect students from potential ash fall. Residents were urged to leave their homes for safety, recalling the 2018 eruption that claimed hundreds of lives. The volcano, just 10 miles west of Antigua, also draws hikers and tourists who may now face disruptions.

Guatemala Volcano Fuego Rises, Evacuating 400 Residents

On Monday, the Fuego volcano—located between the Escuintla, Chimaltenango, and Sacatepéquez regions—displayed heightened activity, prompting Guatemalan authorities to declare an orange alert, the second‑highest emergency level.

About 400 residents from communities near the volcano were evacuated and relocated to temporary shelters in Alotenango and the city of Escuintla, where emergency services provided immediate assistance.

In response, schools in the vicinity of the volcano were closed to mitigate risks of ash fall and further eruptions. Residents were urged to leave their homes for their safety, following the 2018 violent eruption of Fuego that left hundreds dead. Learn more about the 2018 eruption.

Fuego is situated only 10 miles (16 km) west of the historic city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site popular with tourists. The active stratovolcano also attracts hikers, highlighting the multifaceted impacts of volcanic activity on local communities, tourism, and safety protocols.

For further updates, see: Guatemala volcano eruption sends lava spewing into the air.