Guatemala's Institute of Volcanology reported on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, that the eruption of the Fuego volcano, Central America's most active volcano, has officially ended after 50 hours of activity. The eruption, which began on Monday, August 4, 2026, forced more than 1,700 people to evacuate the surrounding areas.

The volcanic activity at the crater, located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Guatemala City, ceased two days after it started. Despite the end of the eruption, the institute recommended that residents maintain precautions due to large quantities of ash and the potential for burning debris flows.

Guatemalan emergency services declared it safe for evacuated residents to return home. Claudine Ogaldes, director of the Conred emergency services, stated at a press conference, "It is now safe to return." However, she urged 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 know when it gets angry and when it's calm." The Fuego volcano has caused several mass evacuations in recent years, including over 500 people last year and around 1,200 people in 2023 due to eruptions involving gas, ash, and lava.

Residents are advised to remain cautious despite the current lull in volcanic activity.

Sources