Guatemala raises Fuego volcano alert to orange as ash plumes persist
The gist
Guatemala raised the alert level to orange after increased activity at Fuego, with ash plumes reaching 15,000 ft.
Fuego sits about 22 miles from Guatemala City and has erupted frequently since 2018.
How it unfolded
- May 14, 2026 –21, 2026INSIVUMEH reported elevated activity with 5 to 12 Strombolian explosions per hour, gas-and-ash plumes up to 1 km above the summit drifting as far as 40 km west and southwest.
- May 17, 2026A weak-to-moderate lahar (a volcanic mudflow) descended the Ceniza drainage, carrying branches, tree trunks and boulders up to 3 m in diameter.
- Jun 7, 2026Tourists near Fuego witnessed a large nighttime eruption from an estimated distance of about 400 m.
Key terms
- Strombolian explosions
- A type of mild volcanic eruption with small blasts ejecting incandescent scoria, named after the Italian volcano Stromboli.
- VAAC Washington
- A regional Volcanic Ash Advisory Center that coordinates and shares information on ash clouds threatening aviation.
Source: Wikipedia