A volcano in central Ecuador shot up a column of hot ash and smoke six miles high, increasing fears of a possible eruption.

Activity has reportedly been building at the Tungurahua volcano since February, according to the Associated Press.

On April 4, experts reported a loud explosion that last around five minutes after an eruption of ash.

The Volcano is located approximately 81 miles south of the capital Quito.

The National Secretariat for Risk Management commented on the eruption on its Twitter account.

Tungurahua has slowly been erupting since 1999. Ecuador's geophysics institute confirmed on this week that the blast took place at 6:10 p.m. local time, according to AP.

The volcano is one of eight active volcanoes in Ecuador. It lies in the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire."

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