Fawley oil refinery has warned people living nearby that flares are being used at the site to restart an operating unit.

ExxonMobil, the company that runs Fawley oil refinery, took to social media on Wednesday morning to inform residents of the work, ensuring followers that the process is “completely safe.”

Flaring is a controlled burning of gases at a refinery which is primarily used for safety and waste management purposes.

The process sees unwanted flammable gases directed through a flare stack before being ignited, producing a flame.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for ExxonMobil said: “Following our previous communication, we want to inform you that we are currently restarting one of our operating units.

“To enable this work, we will need to make use of our flares.

“Flaring is completely safe, however we acknowledge there may be intermittent periods of elevated noise for those living close to the site.

“We will strive to minimise disruption to local residents wherever possible and apologise for any inconvenience.”