REUTERS - Mexico's Colima volcano erupted on Saturday (Sept 12) morning, spewing ash and smoke 2km up into the air, National Civil Protection Coordinator Luis Felipe Puente said.

Located in the south-western Mexican state of Colima, the Fire Volcano has been exhibiting activity since July 9. Over the past two months, nearby villages have been blanketed with thick coats of ash, prompting evacuations.

Officially known as Colima Volcano, it was previously active in January and February of 2015 and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Mexico has over 3,000 volcanos but only 14 are considered active.

Major eruptions 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.

Colima Volcano has erupted more than 40 times since the 16th century and the local authorities have an emergency plan that includes continuous observation of the volcano and mandatory evacuations, if needed.