Guatemala: Firefighters responding to fire at nickel mine in El Estor early Aug. 30

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a fire at the Guatemalan Nickel Company (Compania Guatemalteca de Niquel, CGN) mine in El Estor as of early Aug. 30. Reports indicate that the blaze broke out late the previous day in the metallurgical area of the mine. Firefighters have the fire under control. There have been no reports of injuries.

Heightened security, as well as localized business and transport disruptions, are likely over the coming hours as firefighting operations continue.

El Estor is approximately 169 km (105 miles) northeast of Guatemala.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Plan for localized transport disruptions and seek alternative routes to circumvent the impact location. Consider remaining indoors if heavy smoke is in the area, especially if you suffer from respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.