Huge plumes of smoke can be seen billowing from miles away in Ellesmere Port.
Thick, black clouds of smoke can be seen coming from Stanlow Oil Refinery since this morning, prompting widespread concern.
The firm which owns Stanlow Oil Refinery, Essar has offered a comment regarding the thick clouds of smoke to Cheshire Live.
A spokesman said: "An unplanned process issue on one of our plants has led to visible flaring at Stanlow.
Flares (which allow the controlled burning of gases) are important safety devices used throughout the refining industry to ensure gases from process plants can be safely handled when required.
Our technical teams are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We apologise for any concern this has caused.”
Residents as far as Saltney Ferry have said they can see "a massive flame" coming out of the oil refinery.
Pictures from the scene show huge amounts of smoke pass through the air, as Merseyside sees one of its warmest days of the year.
The large amount of smoke comes as firefighters from Mersey Fire Service battle a huge blaze in St Helens.
Despite a "significant amount of smoke" Cheshire Fire Service said there was no reason to be worried.
Cheshire Police told the ECHO the fire was "under control" and residents and neighbours did not need to close their windows or doors.
Ellesmere Port Fire Station said: "We are aware of a significant amount of smoke above the Stanlow oil refinery in Ellesmere Port.
"The smoke is under control and there is no need for anyone in the area to be concerned."
