Mexico's Colima volcano -- known by Mexicans as the Volcano of Fire -- has generated eruptions that have led to the evacuation of hundreds and led officials to create an over 7-mile exclusion zone in the Colima state and a nearly 5-mile exclusion zone in the neighboring Jalisco state. Photo courtesy of Luis Felipe Puente Espinosa

Mexico's Colima volcano -- known by Mexicans as the Volcano of Fire -- has generated eruptions that have led to the evacuation of hundreds and led officials to create an over 7-mile exclusion zone in the Colima state and a nearly 5-mile exclusion zone in the neighboring Jalisco state. Photo courtesy of Luis Felipe Puente Espinosa

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Mexico's Colima volcano has generated eruptions that have led to the evacuation of hundreds and the creation of a more than 7-mile exclusion zone, Mexican officials said.

The Mexican government said Colima's elevated volcanic activity has maintained since last Monday. The Colima volcano -- known by Mexicans as the Volcano of Fire -- is in Mexico's Colima state, which borders the Jalisco state where authorities have also declared a nearly 5-mile exclusion zone.


"At the risk of falling ash, we maintain the recommendation to cover eyes and mouths; cover water tanks; that people with respiratory problems avoid, as possible, outdoor activities, and sweep the ash to be deposited in plastic bags," the Mexican government said in a statement.

Luis Felipe Puente Espinosa, Mexico's Ministry of Interior public safety coordinator, "urges people to respect the safety zone, be alert to the official information disseminated and stay in shelters until further notice."

Puente Espinosa traveled to the region to assess the volcanic activity with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Defense.

"Do not forget! Security perimeters remain," Puente Espinosa said in a statement. "Respect them!"