Guatemala's Fire volcano erupted Tuesday for the first time in nearly two years, causing panic in nearby villages and prompting aviation authorities to re-route air traffic.

The volcano, in the country's southwest spewed smoke and ash Tuesday, at the rate of three or four times per hour, officials said.

Geologists said the volcano belched out huge columns of smoke measuring as high as 4,300 meters (14,000 feet).

The volcano, which is more than 3,700 meters (12,000 feet tall), is located between the departments of Chimaltenango, Escuintla and Sacatepequez, in southwest Guatemala.

One of three active volcanoes in the country, the last time it rumbled to life was in September 2012, sparking mass evacuations.