A community information message has been issued for an incident at Viva’s Corio refinery.
A spokesperson for Viva says a minor alarm was sounded on Friday afternoon following a disruption to the refining unit.
That has seen an increase in the flame from the safety flare system.
The spokesperson says the flare is operating as it should and there is no cause for community alarm.
Viva has notified emergency services and WorkSafe and says work is underway to stabilise the affected unit.
Fire Rescue Victoria [FRV] says the incident is causing a significant amount of smoke in the air around Corio, however locals have reported seeing it from across the Geelong region.
Locals are being urged to avoid the refinery area to allow emergency services get to the scene without incident.
FRV is assuring residents there is no immediate threat and no action is needed.
Fire crews remain on scene.
Viva has apologised for any concern caused.
