FIREFIGHTERS were pelted with fireworks after damping down an unofficial bonfire which neighbours feared was going to get out of control.

Around 100 youths gathered at the fire in Cedar Street, Blackburn on Bonfire Night and when fire crews went to put it out, they turned on them.

Terrified residents said the fire, which happens every year on the patch of unused land, turned the area into a ‘warzone’.

Firefighters found unsuitable items such as furniture and a bath were being lined up to be thrown on the fire.

But when they made efforts to put in out, the youths directed fireworks towards them and the firefighters left the area, patrolling instead in unmarked cars with the police.

Julian Williams, station manager at Blackburn fire station, said: “There was some furniture and an acrylic bath they were going to put on to the fire.

“As well as being bad for the environment, these would have increased the scale of the fire so our officers began to dampen it down. That is when some fireworks were thrown at them so they withdrew.”

One firefighter who was on the scene, Chris Archer, used social networking site Twitter to slam the youngsters.

He said: “Disgusting actions of some people thinking it is acceptable to throw fireworks and bangers at us just doing our job. Thankfully not injured, lucky because the intent was there. They really wanted to hurt us. Worst event I have ever experienced.”

Mohammed Rashid, who lives directly opposite the fire site, said: “The fire service started to put the fire out and there were a lot of police in the street. “I was stood at the upstairs window watching and I was very frightened. I also had my two grandchildren with me and they were terrified.”

Another resident, Asif Iqbal said: “It was like a warzone. There were deafening explosions that sounded like bombs going off.

“The firefighters came from the Bastwell Road side and the youths were just firing the fireworks towards them and throwing them.

“I don’t think many of them were from this area so when they woke up in the morning their street was nice and clean.

“But for us, we are living in misery having to deal with this every single year.”