A sharp increase in activity by a volcano near a major tourist centre has led to the declaration of an alert in three states in central Guatemala.
The number of explosions within the Volcano del Fuego - or Volcano of Fire - has increased to about 400 per hour from the usual average of around 75.
A flow of glowing lava was seen running down the volcano's south slope.
National disaster officials declared the alert for the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepequez, warning that residents of the area should be ready for possible evacuations.
The 3,763 metre volcano overlooks colonial Antigua, which was the capital of Guatemala until an eruption by the Volcan del Fuego caused a mudslide that buried it in 1541.
One of the hemisphere's most active volcanos, it has erupted repeatedly since 1524. The last major eruption was in 1974, but activity in 1999 forced evacuation of nearby villages.
A volcano of the same name in the state of Colima, Mexico, also has been erupting in recent days.
PA