The company that runs Fawley refinery, at the mouth of Southampton Water, is using flaring again and two huge flames can be seen from the the Isle of Wight this morning (Tuesday).

Last month, three flares lit up the sky over the Solent when a structure collapsed on site.

This time, ExxonMobil is blaming what it calls 'a process interruption'.

It said: "We currently need to use our flares."

"The use of our flares is completely safe and controlled and we are working to minimise duration, and any disruption to our host communities," it said. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Read more about the flaring in November: 

On November 22, GMB, the energy union, announced plans for its members to take industrial action, alongside those from members of other groups who had already been campaigning for more pay.

The action is due to affect the site tomorrow, Wednesday, December 7.

Bryan Hulley, GMB Regional Organiser said:"If there was a risk to fuel production before, this will have certainly increased with more workers joining the picket lines next month.

"With multiple employers all having union members now taking strike action, it would make most sense for ExxonMobil to now intervene and help solve this dispute."