On August 4, 2026, Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted, causing significant concern for surrounding communities. Authorities evacuated hundreds of people as the volcano, one of Central America’s most active, sent ash, gas, and lava down its slopes.

From San Juan Alotenango, the volcano released dramatic lava flows and ash clouds, highlighting the danger to nearby areas. Evacuated families found temporary shelter in this town, relying on local resources and assistance to ensure their safety.

The Fuego Volcano, often called the ‘Volcano of Fire,’ displayed a powerful eruption on this day. It had previously sent ash clouds visible from Palin, Guatemala, on March 10, 2025.

In Escuintla, a woman from the El Porvenir village, situated on the volcano’s slopes, received first aid supplies upon reaching a temporary shelter. Meanwhile, children found moments of normalcy playing inside these shelters, which provided vital refuge for impacted residents.

The ongoing threat of the eruption has kept authorities and citizens on high alert. The rising clouds and flowing lava underscore the continuous risk posed by the Fuego Volcano. From San Pedro Las Huertas, the spectacle of ash clouds rising from the crater captured the tension and beauty of the event.

Moises Castillo, a seasoned Guatemalan photojournalist with The Associated Press, documented the situation. His decades-long coverage of Central America provided crucial insights into the unfolding crisis.