Why thousands in Hampshire saw 'orange glow' at night this week Flaring at Fawley Refinery on Thursday, February 20. Picture: by Daily Echo Camera Club member Michael Palmer THOUSANDS of residents across the New Forest, Southampton and other parts of Hampshire reported seeing an orange glow earlier this week. On Thursday evening the bright scene could be seen from many miles away, with the fire service called. Many people were not entirely sure what they had spotted, with concerns it might have been a fire. It was in fact the sight of flaring at refinery in Fawley. The safe burning off of excess gas from the site creates the striking colour in the sky, which is at such a height that it can be witnessed from various parts of the county.