FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Don’t be alarmed if you see flames at BP Cherry Point Refinery in the coming weeks.

Whatcom County Fire District 7 says BP gave them notice that planned maintenance over the next few weeks could result in visible flaring.

A flare is a safety device designed to burn excess gas and relieve pressure from equipment. They’re usually visible and are regulated by the Northwest Clean Air Agency, Washington state Department of Ecology and the EPA.

Fire District 7 says BP has identified the work as routine maintenance and says it is not being made in response to an emergency.

BP will try to minimize the flaring and will monitor emissions throughout the process.

Anyone with questions is asked to contact BP’s community affairs staff at 360-371-1500 or by email at CHPCommunityAffairs@bp.com.