GUATEMALA CITY (AP) – Huge blasts apparently caused by exploding munitions rocked a military base north of Guatemala City early Saturday and released a highly toxic gas that forced the evacuation of nearby residents.

The blasts, which could be heard for miles, woke up residents in the Guatemalan capital. Thousands crowded rooftops and streets in the pre-dawn hours to see a dense column of smoke rising over the Mariscal Zavala brigade base.

Experts said the blasts were apparently caused by munitions stored at the base and that they released white phosphorous gas, a toxic ingredient in some munitions.

“We are evacuating everybody who lives around the base,” volunteer fire brigade official Mynor Cholotio told local media. “The smoke contains white phosphorous, which is highly toxic and causes respiratory problems.”

Soldiers barred firefighters and news media from entering the base, and there was no immediate information on injuries, deaths or damages at the base.