Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano Eruption

An eruption at Volcano Arenal, in Costa Rica's Northern zone, caused small fires and avalanches on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

According to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) the Arenal volcano emitted a stream of lava on its southern flank, causing small avalanches on the south slope of the mountain. The lava ignited some trees and plants as it reached the fauna line.

On Tuesday morning, between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. the volcano emitted hot gas and rock in what is known as a pyroclastic eruption, registering small tremors at the OVSICORI.

None of the activity has threatened La Fortuna, the quaint town located near the base of the volcano, and Arenal National Park remains open. Park guards said that the recent rumblings had not affected their watch stations.

Scientists with the OVSICORI said the activity is normal and that the accumulation of the material around the crater of Arenal will increase the height of the mountain, which has been growing in recent years due to similar eruptions.