Fire crews had to put out bonfires in Blackburn after one burned through overhead cables.
Crowds had gathered around the bonfire just off Calder Street at the entrance to a nearby health centre on Thursday night, and soon enough furniture and mattresses were being dumped next to it.
Elsewhere in the town, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire on St Clement Street where overhead cables were on fire.
The fire on Calder Street has been a common sight at the spot over the years, but there had been repeated concerns over the clean-up, with people disposing of household furniture at the fire that they should be taking to the recycling centre.
Witnesses said earlier in the afternoon cars were turning up with mattresses and other items to dump at the site.
Later in the evening, when the fire inevitably got out of hand, police were called, and fire crews had to extinguish the fire, with some firefighters getting abused while doing their job.
On Friday morning, parts of the fire were still smouldering, with the area strewn with household furniture including charred metal springs.
Councillor Shakeel Choudhry said he was disappointed with the actions of those who built the fire on Calder Street despite being told not to.
He said: "My concerns regarding the Calder Street bonfire were always about protecting the safety of men, women and children in our community.
"I had previously intervened over a planned bonfire in Tenby Close, which also subsequently went ahead, but it was a lot better than the previous years.
"We must also consider the valuable fire brigade and police resources used, which could have been needed to respond to life-threatening emergencies elsewhere.
"My intention was never to spoil anyone’s enjoyment, but to prevent unnecessary danger, disruption and damage. Public safety must always come first, and prevention is always better than dealing with the consequences."
Cllr Choudhry had earlier told residents another bonfire planned for Tenby Close was cancelled after discussions with residents.
He encouraged people to attend organised events instead. Despite this, a small fire was set at the site but was not as large as previous years and was managed by local residents.
Cllr Shaukat Hussain, who normally spends the evening patrolling the local neighbourhood on Bonfire Night, was at the CVS Awards.
He said: "The Calder Street bonfire has been a longstanding tradition for more than 25 years, bringing the local community and residents together.
"However, tradition must never come before public safety. I have been made aware of an incident that raises serious concerns and must be addressed.
"Robust safety measures and effective management arrangements must be introduced to prevent any recurrence, following proper consultation with residents and relevant stakeholders.
"The tradition is valued, but public safety is non-negotiable."
A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "At 8.07pm, one fire engine from Blackburn attended a bonfire on St Clement Street, Blackburn.
"The fire was in close proximity to properties and was affecting overhead telegraph cables. Firefighters extinguished the bonfire and Openreach was called to assess the cables."
Regarding the fire on Calder Street the Fire Service said: " At 7:52pm, two fire engines from Darwen and Blackburn attended a bonfire on Calder Street, Blackburn. Upon arrival, fire crews extinguished the bonfire and were on scene for approximately twenty-five minutes."
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