Thunderstorms spark huge flares at Mossmoran plant in Fife

Engineers working on return to normal operation

Mossmorran flaring at 5:40 am

Mossmorran flared again in the early hours of this morning after huge thunderstorms hit the plant.

Staff at Fife Ethylene Plant are working to bring it back to normal operations, and minimise the impact on neighbouring communities.

Fife Ethylene Plant confirmed the flare was the direct result of the extreme weather and associated electrical impacts which sparked a process upset.

Jacob McAlister, plant manager, said: “As part of the plant’s safety and operational procedures, we are using our elevated flare. We stress that the use of the flare is completely safe, but apologise for any concern or disruption caused.”

The incident was described by James Glen, chairman of Mossmorran Action Group, as “a terrifying bout of extreme flaring.”

This story first appeared on Fife Today.