Giant column of gas erupts out of Mexico’s Colima volcano; authorities warn of falling ash

December 2015 – MEXICO – Mexico’s Colima volcano has spewed a column of gas and ash into the sky in the latest of a series of intermittent eruptions. Mexico’s civil protection authorities said the column rose 2,500 meters over the crater before it was pulled by winds heading north-east. The explosion prompted the civil protection authorities to warn nearby residents to watch for falling ash and to wear face masks when outdoors. Located in the south-western Mexican state of Colima, the volcano — known locally as the Fire volcano — has been exhibiting continuous activity since July 9.

The Colima volcano, which is part of the Pacific’s Ring of Fire, was also active in January and February. Mexico contains over 3,000 volcanoes, but only 14 are considered active. Major eruptions in Mexican history have included the 1953 eruption of the Paricutin volcano in Michoacan, the 1982 eruption of Tacana volcano in Chiapas and the 1986 eruption of the Colima volcano. –ABC News