Guatemalan authorities announced on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, that the eruption of the Fuego volcano had officially ended after 50 hours of activity. The Institute of Volcanology reported that the volcano, Central America's most active, began erupting lava and ash on Monday, August 4, forcing over 1,700 people to evacuate the area.

The volcanic activity at the crater, located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Guatemala City, ceased two days later, according to national experts. Despite the eruption ending, the Institute of Volcanology recommended that precautions remain due to large amounts of ash and the possibility of burning debris flows.

Guatemalan emergency services declared it safe for residents to return home following the eruption's cessation. Claudine Ogaldes, director of Conred emergency services, stated at a press conference, "It is now safe to return." However, she cautioned communities to "take precautions, because at any moment it could erupt again."

Ogaldes emphasized the community's familiarity with the volcano's behavior, saying, "We live alongside the volcano. We know when it gets angry and when it's calm." The region has experienced multiple mass evacuations in recent years due to Fuego's eruptions, including over 500 people evacuated last year and around 1,200 in 2023.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant despite the eruption's end, as the volcano remains active and could erupt again without warning.

Sources