One of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes has erupted again, sending columns of ash into the sky and streams of lava down its slopes as authorities ordered evacuations in nearby communities.

Volcán de Fuego, located roughly 50 kilometers southwest of Guatemala City, began showing increased activity as powerful explosions sent ash and volcanic material into the air.

The eruption quickly became a dramatic spectacle — but for people living near the volcano, it was a race to get to safety.

Lava begins pouring down the mountain
Fuego is notorious for its frequent eruptions.

During the latest activity, lava began flowing down several channels on the volcano’s slopes while clouds of ash rose high above the summit.

Authorities warned residents and visitors to stay away from dangerous areas around the volcano as volcanic material continued to move downhill.

The combination of lava, falling ash and volcanic gases created dangerous conditions for communities located close to the mountain.

Families ordered to evacuate
As the eruption intensified, hundreds of people were evacuated from communities considered to be at risk.

Emergency shelters were prepared as authorities moved residents away from areas threatened by lava and volcanic debris.

For families living in the shadow of Fuego, volcanic eruptions are a familiar part of life — but familiarity does not make them less frightening.

The volcano can shift from relatively quiet activity to powerful explosions in a short period of time.

One of Central America’s most dangerous volcanoes
Fuego is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes and has erupted repeatedly over the years.

Its most devastating recent eruption came in 2018, when pyroclastic flows swept through communities and killed hundreds of people.

That history is one reason authorities closely monitor every major increase in activity.

The latest eruption has once again reminded residents that the enormous mountain above them is still very much alive.

A terrifying view from below
Images from the eruption show enormous clouds of ash rising above the summit, glowing lava moving down the dark slopes and communities watching the volcano from a distance.

For photographers and spectators, it is a spectacular natural phenomenon.

For the people being evacuated, however, the view is a warning.

Fuego may be beautiful from a distance — but when the mountain begins to roar, the safest place is far away from its slopes.