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.

Refinery’s flame flares up

This message is being issued for Geelong, Corio, Lara, Anakie, Little River and surrounds.

• There is a minor incident at the Viva Refinery, which is causing a significant amount of black smoke in and around the vicinity of Corio.
• Thick black smoke and flames will be visible from nearby communities.
• Avoid the area. Do not go to the area to watch the incident.
• Firefighters are on scene.
• This Community Information replaces the Community Information issued at 2:14pm Friday 19 January 2024.

https://emergency.vic.gov.au/public/event%2Fwarning%2F32538.html