A massive volcano in Guatemala is erupting and authorities have evacuated¹ nearly 300 families while warning another 30,000 people in the area they could be at risk.

The eruption² at Volcano of Fire started overnight, spewing a dark cloud of ash far into the sky Monday, leading authorities to close schools in the vicinity and a key road connecting communities. There were no immediate³ reports of casualties.

Guatemala's Conred disaster center said the volcano, named Fuego – Spanish for "fire" – was sending "pyroclastic flows," a high-temperature mix of gas, ash and rock fragments, "through the ravines of the volcanic⁴ complex."

The flow of volcanic material is weak to moderate but expected to increase, officials said.