Fire Volcano in Guatemala erupts, showering towns with ash

The Fire Volcano in southern Guatemala exploded incandescent rock and ash over surrounding towns on Saturday.

David de Leon, spokesman for the national disaster preparedness office, said authorities had put area on alert, but no evacuations had been made so far.

• The destructive power of volcanoes

Karina Lopez, a resident of nearby Antigua, said ash mixed with a drizzle reduced visibility, but the volcano continued to rumble.

The National Co-ordinator for Disaster Reduction agency issued instructions urging people to take shelter, wear masks, cover water tanks and be aware of evacuation routes. Firefighters were standing by.

The volcano sits on the border of the Guatemalan states of Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango. It rises 3,763 metres above sea level.