Fawley flares seen from the Isle of Wight VIDEO

It’s led to calls from concerned Islanders.

Residents in East Cowes and Gurnard have reported seeing the flares above two chimneys.

ExxonMobil Fawley, which runs the site, has said there is a ‘process interruption’ affecting one of its units.

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Flares are being used to ‘safely manage’ it, a tweet said.

ExxonMobil said: “We apologise to residents who may be experiencing increased noise levels from our site.

“Our team is working hard to minimise any disruption.

“Thank you for your patience.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed it has been made aware of ‘organised flaring’.

It’s not the first time ongoings at the refinery have been spotted by eagle-eyed Islanders.

Last November an ‘operational incident’ caused the partial collapse of a structure

It led to the sky being lit up with flames from the site, at the mouth of Southampton Water.

Flaring is often used to control supplies to the site.

 

Isle of Wight County Press | News