Fire Crews Help People Evacuate as Guatemala's Volcan de Fuego Erupts
Yahoo News
Last updated: August 5, 2026
Fire crews assisted in the evacuation of residents overnight into August 4 due to ongoing eruptions of Volcan de Fuego near Alotenango, Guatemala. An orange alert was issued following the volcano's entry into an eruptive phase.
- The eruption caused pyroclastic flows, ash plumes reaching altitudes of 5,000 meters, and incandescent volcanic bombs. Ashfall was reported in at least six surrounding municipalities, affecting communities like Alotenango, San Miguel Petapa, and La Soledad.
- Emergency response included the deployment of fire brigades to aid in evacuations, with specific efforts focused on communities near the volcano.
- The National Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) monitored seismic activity and reported explosions, tremors, and the presence of ash columns.
- Authorities advised caution regarding the risks of lahars in riverbeds and the potential for ash to impact air traffic and health.
