A brief loss of power in Toledo Edison’s electrical power grid caused the PBF Toledo Refining Co. in Oregon to begin flaring this morning as part of routine safety precautions.

Onlookers said they saw more flame and smoke than usual coming from the refinery.

PBF spokesman Olivia Summons said the momentary sag in power was just enough to cause computers at the refinery to initiate the flaring, which is the venting and burning of hydrocarbons from the refinery through a controlled venting system.

“We had a power blip that caused the flaring as part of our safety reaction,” Ms. Summons said. The flaring was limited to about 30 minutes after which the refinery was to restart its equipment, she added.

Toledo Edison officials said they were checking to see what triggered the power loss, which occurred shortly after 10 a.m.

First Published August 21, 2012, 3:00 p.m.