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Fears of major fires on Scotland’s east coast have arisen after a spectacular flare at a gas plant lit up the night sky.
Concerned bettors shared online images of the sky over Edinburgh and Fife lit up in bright orange, with some likening it to a volcano or hell.
The owners of the Mossmorran plant near Cowdenbeath, ExxonMobil, blamed a faulty part, while environmental protection officials launched their own investigation.
Whiskey consultant Blair Bowman posted a photo of the orange glow atop Edinburgh’s famous Fettes College.
He wrote: “Does anyone know what is the cause of this huge fire, maybe beyond Fettes or even in Fife?”
Others wondered if “Leith was on fire”, while another added: “Like a volcano at the door !! Edinburgh should be concerned, not just Fife. The experts warned of this from the planning stage ”.
Residents as far away as Edinburgh expressed concern about the environmental impact of the flames at Cowdenbeath.
One posted: “It’s an environmental attack and I sincerely hope #sepa takes action this time.”
Another claimed they could smell it and added: “And I’m in Willowbrae, Edinburgh. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have to live next to him and endure this all the time.”
Chris Dailly, SEPA’s Chief of Environmental Performance, confirmed that officials are investigating.
He added: “While it is important to emphasize again that controlled and limited burning is an authorized and important safety feature of industrial sites, we have clearly heard from more than 380 reports to SEPA about the impact this additional burning event is having. in local communities.
(Image: @mrblairbowman)
Having referred ExxonMobil Chemical Limited to the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to consider prosecution related to the 2019 Easter torch burning, we remain frustrated by the frequency of the burning and the flow of information operator”.
Dailly said the agency is investigating any breaches of the permit conditions before deciding on its next steps in accordance with its compliance policy.
He added: “We are clear about our operator expectations, including the requirement for the installation of noise reducing torches followed by the installation of ground torches.
“Additionally, the operator must take steps to make burning the exception rather than a routine, and if they don’t, SEPA will consider more options to make sure they do.”
ExxonMobil bosses said work is underway to fix the problem and stop the recent outbreak.
A spokesperson said: “Our engineers are making progress with replacing a faulty part in our compressor, and then they will move to restart it safely tonight and tomorrow.”
“We will continue to work to minimize high burnout whenever possible and will inform you when it returns to normal production.”
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