EMERGENCY services received "hundreds" of calls last night as a spectacular orange glow filled the sky.
Hampshire Fire Control have said they have received hundreds of calls from concerned members of the public regarding a pulsing orange cloud of smoke that has been seen in the skies across Hampshire.
The bright light was seen across the county prompting many to take to social media and even phone the emergency services.
Photo by Daily Echo Camera Club member Kevin Perrett
One Twitter used even said that the ominous orange glow could be seen from Cowes in the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire Fire Control said in a Tweet: "We have received hundreds of calls to an orange glow in the sky near Southampton - Fawley Refinery are flaring off which is creating a spectacular glow in the sky."
It is believed that the evening temperature last night caused the excess vapour cloud to lie-low and was slow to disperse causing a large cloud above to glow bright orange.
Photo by Daily Echo Camera Club member Leanne Dempsey
In a statement on their website, a spokesperson from Fawley Refinery said:
"We want to give an update to our current operations.
"Due to an interruption in operations we are currently flaring and we anticipate that this will continue for a number of hours.
"We apologise to our local residents for any concern and inconvenience caused by the flaring and associated noise.
Photo by Daily Echo Camera Club member Lee Churchill
"We are doing all we can to resolve the situation and are taking a series of measures to minimise the flare.
"Flaring is a safe, controlled and environmentally approved way of burning off excess gas which would normally be recycled and used in our operating processes."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel