The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh) reported that, during the early hours of Sunday, March 9, around 3.00, the Network of Sensors of the Volcano of Fire recorded strong explosions for the first time in 49 days, which caused incandescent avalanches.
Since that day, the activity of the volcano has not ceased. Although Insivumeh reported in its Special Volcanological Bulletin 007-2025 a decrease in the intensity of eruptive activity, it is mentioned that it is not over.
At the moment, the emission of gases and ash columns that rise to a maximum height of 4 800 meters above sea level continues and dispersed northwest and southwest, at distances of up to 100 kilometers.
Weak and strong explosions also persist that are not continuous, while ash is still suspended on the west and southwest flank.
81 rashes in 26 years
According to the Insivumeh, this is the number 81 eruption in a period of 26 years of activity of the volcano of fire.
In addition, the entity catalogs the eruption as intermediate, but points out that one of the main threats are pyroclastic flows, considered the most dangerous and destructive phenomena associated with volcanic eruptions.
The Insivumeh report indicates that pyroclastic flows are hot and dense currents that move at high speed, carrying gases, ash, pyroclasts and rocks.
Gases, ash and other sediments can reach temperatures above 300 degrees. When escaping from the ravines due to the pressure generated by the interaction of these elements, they can move at large speeds. A sample of the strength of the phenomenon was observed in the eruption of 2018, it was detailed.
This flow can cause great destruction in its path, affecting buildings, infrastructure and vegetation.
Volcano data
According to the Insivumeh, the volcano of fire is part of the volcanic chain of the quaternary of Guatemala, which completely crosses the country in parallel to the Pacific coast.
The entity explains that the volcano has an approximate age of 8,500 years and is classified as one of the most active in the world.
It is located south of the Acatenango volcano and is 45 kilometers in a straight line of Guatemala City.
Its geographical position is:
- Latitude: 14 ° 28.9’n
- Length: 90 ° 52.9’w
- Height: 3 763 meters above sea level.
It is classified as stratovolcán or cone compound, since it is formed by alternate layers of slaughter and lava castings.
According to Insivumeh data, the activity of the Fire volcano is classified as Strombolian-Vulcanian type, characterized by fumaroles, ash explosions, rashes with sustained columns of incandescent material that can reach up to 10 kilometers high, lava flows, pyroclastic flows and avalanches
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Since 1581
Insivumeh data account for eruptions of the Fire Volcano since 1581. A year later, damage was already recorded, such as the one that occurred in San Pedro Yepocapa, Chimaltenango, where the lava destroyed the town.
- In 1717 there was an eruption that lasted four months and the ash reached Petén and El Salvador.
- On May 9, 1880 there was also a strong eruption with ash fall in Mazatenango and Retalhuleu.
- In 1932 there was a very strong ash eruption, accompanied by light tremors. Ash drop in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala City was reported, where an accumulation of 138 kg/m² was observed. In addition, he collapsed the pointed peak of the volcano and the crater opened to the northeast, generating burning and incandescent avalanches that gave the impression of lava currents.
- In 1999 the most recent cycle of volcanic activity began. The eruption was moderate, with an emission of ash that mainly affected the east of the volcano, in San Juan Alotenango. There were pyroclastic flows within the ravines born on the sides of the volcano. During the rainy season, lahares were recorded that caused the death of a person and damage to road infrastructure.
- In 2006, as a curious case, there were no rashes, only explosions.
- The year with more eruptive activity of this reactivation phase was 2007, with six rashes that occurred on March 25, June 29, July 17, September 11, December 7 and December 16.
- On June 3, 2018, the Volcano of Fire broke out and the pyroclastic clouds killed about 300 people.